They had been through a
tornado of F-5 proportions. For 3 years they had followed Jesus –
camping, traveling and sharing meals daily. All he taught them had
pierced their hearts with fire.
He said he would restore
the kingdom to Israel but then they crucified him. They killed him
dead! If that was not enough, he was buried, not like God, but like
a human. Then his body disappeared from its tomb! Woe to us all!!
But then he reappeared as
alive as you and me and proved to us in multiple ways YES it was HE!
Wait...what? He who said He was God was God but then they KILLED
him? And how can GOD be KILLED? But then he wasn't just human
because HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD! But it doesn't surprise us because
we've seen what He can do!
And here he is... talking
with us and explaining what needed to be done. “Stay here in
Jerusalem and wait for the gift my Father promised”, he said. And
he left us. Again. In those years we had walked with our teacher
he had been right there to tell us what to do....to instruct us and
mentor us hands-on. So, HOW are we supposed to fulfill all that
needs to be done without Him?. Jesus..where are you? Help us!
“When
the day of Pentecost came, they were all together. Suddenly a sound
like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the
whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be
tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to
speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4
We are all faced with
times when we feel as though Jesus has disappeared. We have all
tread water through those storms where we cry out and wait in
silence. When we feel like we are on our own. But we are never on
our own. Jesus explained in john 14 that he would ask his father
(God) and God would send another advocate - The Spirit of Truth –
to help you. In Acts 1 Jesus says, YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE
HOLY SPIRIT COMES ON YOU. AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES...TELLING
PEOPLE ABOUT ME.” In fact, you will do greater things than I have.
And the stage was
set...Jesus knew that he had to leave earth so the very power that
empowered him...would be sent and made available to each one who
asked for Him.. He who is called the Holy Spirit, God's Spirit the
Counselor, friend and helper.
How deep is God's love for
us that he sent the Holy Spirit to be all that Jesus had been in the
flesh.
Alone? You are not alone
for you are filled with the power of heaven! Let your Faith arise!
I
lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever
LET
MY FAITH ARISE!
