were also no longer denied access to the abiding presence and power of God. On Mount Sinai, when God revealed his teaching to Moses, he descended in fire and his presence was cloaked in clouds and smoke. At Pentecost, as God the Holy Spirit came upon the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem, the presence of God came as ‘tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them’ (Acts 2:3). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, those believers were filled, sealed and sanctified and the Church came into being. Today the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers the Church in mission, witness and service and enables all believers to grow in likeness to Jesus.
Jesus had previously told his followers what would happen. Even before his death and resurrection he said: ‘All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you’ (John 14:25–27). Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit as ‘the Advocate’ – helper, adviser or counsellor – would come to teach us ‘all things’ and remind us of the words of Jesus. The Spirit guides us to apply all Jesus said and did to every aspect and facet of our lives and how we live. The Spirit draws us back to the words of Jesus, as referenced by the Queen in her Christmas messages. As thinking, reflective believers, our words, actions and thoughts must be tested against the words of Jesus. He told us the truth and spoke words of life, and we must explore and discover the depth of that truth, which is where the Advocate comes to help and empower us. As the Holy Spirit works in us and through us, he will, if we are open, willing and obedient, change us into the likeness of Jesus himself in our words, deeds and attitudes. The celebration of the Platinum Jubilee is locked into our calendar. The celebration of Pentecost is also in our calendar, but the experience of
Pentecost – the coming of the indwelling, empowering Holy Spirit – is not a static, one-off event to be commemorated. It is a personal, dynamic relationship to be experienced by followers of Jesus. Jesus told his followers: ‘I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high’ (Luke 24:49). Our relationship with God the Holy Spirit involves us being clothed with power from on high. It is an experience that empowers us to live like Christ, to grow the fruit of the Spirit. There is no call for commemorative Pentecost mugs, tea towels or fridge magnets. We do not need a historic souvenir to remind us of a date or day. The wonderful truth about Pentecost is that it is an ongoing experience of God the Holy Spirit, a relationship that enables, empowers and directs us – individually and collectively – as the body of Christ on Earth. Now that is something to celebrate!
MAJOR DAVID ALTON Corps Officer Boscombe
Salvationist 4 June 2022
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