As we prepare for this Sunday, we look forward to the celebration of Pentecost! This week’s message will explore two New Testament texts. Through the imagery of fire and the act of breathing, we will consider the theme of inspiration and empowerment, stirring our hearts to make a positive impact on our communities and the world around us.
In Acts 2, we witness the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the fire of God’s presence. This divine manifestation emboldened them to share the good news of Jesus Christ, transcending language barriers and touching the hearts of people from diverse backgrounds. In John 20, we encounter Jesus appearing to the disciples after his resurrection. With a profound breath, he imparts the Holy Spirit upon them, breathing new life and empowering them to carry out his mission.
Acts 2:1-8, 11b-20 (CEB)
1 When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.
5 There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. 7 They were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? 8 How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language?
11 …we hear them declaring the mighty works of God in our own languages!” 12 They were all surprised and bewildered. Some asked each other, “What does this mean?” 13 Others jeered at them, saying, “They’re full of new wine!”
14 Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared, “Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words! 15 These people aren’t drunk, as you suspect; after all, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning! 16 Rather, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17 In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young will see visions.
Your elders will dream dreams.
18 Even upon my servants, men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will cause wonders to occur in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.
20 The sun will be changed into darkness,
and the moon will be changed into blood,
before the great and spectacular day of the Lord comes.
John 20:19-23 (CEB)
19 It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”
Consider these questions:
- How does the image of fire in Acts 2 inspire us to embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
- In what ways can we embody the breath of Jesus in our interactions with others, offering words of peace and imparting the Spirit’s life-giving presence?
- Consider moments when you have experienced inspiration or empowerment. How can those experiences inform your understanding of the disciples’ encounter with the Holy Spirit?
- Consider the challenges and needs of your community and the world. How can the fire of the Spirit within you ignite positive change and make a difference?
- What steps can you take to cultivate an atmosphere of inspiration and empowerment within your own spiritual journey and in your faith community?