Lectionary Reading: Day of Pentecost
Introduction: Pentecost is the Jewish Festival of Weeks which falls 50 days after Passover. At this festival the first-fruits of the cereal harvest were presented to God in recognition that the whole of the harvest belonged to him. It was on this day that the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and so Pentecost is the time when the church remembers and celebrates this outpouring. With the resurrection of Jesus the promises that the prophecies of old foretold have come to fruition and the new people of God are formed. As 2 Corinthian’s 1:20 reminds us in the Messiah all the promises are “Yes!”; And so today the church celebrates the empowering that breathes life into the people of God.
Collect: Almighty God, who on the day of Pentecost sent your Holy Spirit to the Disciples with the wind from heaven and with tongues of fire, filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel: send us out in the power of the same Holy Spirit to witness to your truth and to draw everyone to the fire of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Read Acts 2:1-21. This is such a familiar reading and so filled with content that it is hard to touch on every point. Similarly it is easy to focus on one or two aspects at the expense of other important bits. As we are reading this passage with Pentecost in mind let that be the emphasis for today. In the reading the time has come for another major festival and perhaps another opportunity for the religious authorities to attack the now leaderless followers of Jesus. We know from other accounts that it is possible the disciples were all together out of fear, (John 20:19), but whatever the reason, the group was assembled and the whole group were filled with Holy Spirit. The Spirit did not come because they were all together but because the time was right. Jesus had ascended in order to fill all things with his presence. (Ephesians 4:10) Therefore everything was in place for the believers together to be furnished with the gifts they needed in order to continue to work that Jesus had begun. With the coming of the Spirit the effect on the group is profound for immediately the apostles move out into the public arena and Peter begins to affirm that the out pouring of the Spirit has occurred as was prophesied by the prophet Joel. At the climax of Peter’s presentation the key focus is the salvation that is now possible through trusting in Jesus. Again this reminds us that the Spirit empowers believers to promote Jesus. Jesus is the one who blesses the group with spiritual gifts. As these gifts flow to the church, the whole company of believers are now equipped to participate in lifting high the name of Jesus through word and deed. It is the combined use of the Spirit’s gifts that ensures the ministry of Jesus continues. The diversity of languages reminds us that the good news which the church now proclaims is to be heard clearly by every tribe and tongue. In order for this ministry to fruitfully continue every member is to be equipped.
We can do nothing in order to gain the gifts of the Spirit we can only be open to receive: However once received our response is to obediently use the gifts entrusted to us in daily living. The gifts were not given to take pride in but to be utilised for the ongoing ministry. As we consider the festival of Pentecost let us celebrate that the reign of Jesus guarantees that the church will continue to be equipped and that each one of us can be used to honour Jesus.
Prayer. Holy Lord, your Spirit was present from the beginning of history, present in the message of the prophets, present in provision for your people: Most fully present in the life and words of Jesus. And now Lord we praise and thank you for you are present in the lives of the apostles and continuing to be present in the church that you empower. Grant that we may experience our own Day of Pentecost: may we be empowered to speak your word of truth, so that all may hear in the language they can understand. Teach us to put our knowledge into meaningful action, and to love the world and all people even as you love us. Be with us in all the events of life that we may have light for our darkness, and joy in your service. Come Holy Spirit. Amen
Read Psalm 104:24-35. This is a great psalm and highlights the total reliance that every part of the creation has on God. The whole psalm emphasises the goodness and the glory of God: Again and again it reminds those reading, singing or using the psalm in worship that the Lord is supreme and in control. In verse 30 the psalmist recognises that when the Lord breathes out creation comes alive, and sustained by that breath creation is constantly renewed. So the psalmist paints the picture of the Creator sustaining creation in an ongoing movement. The “breath’ is constantly being sent out bringing life and renewal, reinforcing the promise restated to Noah that “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 This reminds us that the creation is a living breathing entity created and sustained by the breath of God; by God’s Spirit.
As we celebrate the festival of Pentecost and remember the empowering of the church we draw comfort and assurance from this psalm for it reminds us that everything that God brings into being is also sustained by God. Just as God has not left the earth to revive itself neither will God leave the church to its own resources but through the Spirit, (the breath) will constantly refresh and renew the church’s life. However this lectionary reading from the Psalms omits the first part of verse 35 “ Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more“. It is hard to understand why this has been left out, unless it was thought to detract from the upbeat emphasis of the psalm. To leave it out though reduces the power of the Creator to call to account any part of the creation that operates contrary to God’s will. As Matthew notes is his gospel, if salt loses its saltines it is thrown away. (Matt 5:13) It reminds us again that every part of the creation is formed in order to fulfil God’s plan and purpose. Even if we leave out of our reading the first part of verse 35, we still need to remember the God who sustains us can also call us to account. It further reminds us that through the life that God gives we have an abundance of blessings, but these blessings are always given so that we are equipped to be used for God’s purposes.
Prayer. Lord today we pray for a refreshing of land and sea. We pray for those who make their living from producing food for humanity. Help them to work in ways which are in harmony with creation. May they be aware of how you have given everything a place and a purpose. Teach us all to deal gently with all aspects of the creation. Forgive us that we find it easier to blame others than to examine our own ways. Bless all those who struggle with the issues of life yet continue to keep both faithful and hopeful, trusting in you alone. May all find true fulfilment in Jesus, Saviour and Lord. This we ask in his name. Amen
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