A Spirit-filled Pentecost

Do you ever have days when you wake up thinking positive thoughts but as the day progresses nothing seems to go well?

Perhaps people you counted on disappointed you by their actions or words. Too late you realized that their motives were selfish ones, and your own beliefs were inconsequential to them. Or, something that you had accomplished and were proud about, was played down by someone you genuinely admired. To top it off, he or she was disparaging about a person or place you loved. The sunlight in your day suddenly became dark, and black clouds permeated your world.  Then you felt discouraged and confused and hurt. At best you said nothing for or against them, but your own faith was rocked. I am sure everyone one of us have at some time experienced a similar scenario.

Or, perhaps the tables were turned, and you were that person who created the division?  Eventually you moved on, asked forgiveness, felt accepted, and were hopeful that you had learned something from the experience. I believe that Jesus’ disciple Simon Peter must have felt something similar. Simon Peter played a key part in the ministry of Jesus. He was definitely part of the “in crowd” of the twelve disciples. He believed he had great faith and it showed. He, after all, was the disciple who jumped into the water and started walking toward Jesus—until he suddenly became afraid. You know that story and what happened. He moved on. But near the end of Jesus’ life, in spite of his determined actions and thoughts, he again was caught up in the web of fear. He denied knowing Jesus three times before the cock crowed twice. Fear is like black clouds and a fog which surround one, making us unsure of our actions, and hurting others and ourselves in the process. That happened to Peter, as it has to every one of us at some time. It is our wake up call if only we realize and follow through.

We know Jesus forgave Peter, and Peter learned from Jesus how to keep his faith whole. At Pentecost, as a result, Peter played a huge role in sharing his faith with others. He, and the other disciples, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and reached many people by teaching what they had been taught by Jesus before His resurrection. For example, in Acts Chapter 3, Peter and John amazed many people when they healed a crippled beggar in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Their spirit-filled ministry continued on, and today ours must also. This Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit show us where we are needed, and how to proceed in Jesus’ holy name.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

– Psalm 51:10

Thanks be to God!

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