The Holy Spirit as FIRE

by Anne Linington⁽²⁰⁷⁾ Red Star

Behind locked doors John 20:19

The manifestation of the Spirit that Christ had promised, begins with one of Christ's post-resurrection appearances; On Easter evening, shut within locked doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus appears to them, breathes on the disciples and says “Receive the Holy Spirit”. Thomas wasn't there, so did Jesus later breath on him in the say way? We aren't told- I do hope so!

Note again the reference back to Creation: God had breathed life into the first “Adam” in Genesis, making him a living being; Now the second Adam breathes the Holy Spirit into the disciples.

Risen Christ

Almost imperceptibly, the risen Christ enters within the closed doors of my fears,

Penetrating the defensive armour that protects from further pain,

But of necessity, keeps one imprisoned and alone.

Gentle as a breath, Jesus speaks His word of “Peace…”

And I am comforted by His presence.

Unable to grant Him entry, He has taken the initiative

And comes into my world, as He once came two thousand years ago.

The historical Jesus, Word made flesh and Incarnate Son,

Still comes to frightened disciples, grief-stricken women,

Bewildered friends and guilt-ridden followers.

Jesus, manifest your risen self,

To all who long for that personal life changing encounter with you.

Pentecost

FIFTY days after Passover- “FIVE” as in Pentagon

Celebrated the end of the Wheat HARVEST

Jews from all around the Eastern Mediterranean, the world known to them, travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost: from Rome in Italy right round to Libya in North Africa, so much in our news today.

They spoke all sorts of languages and were gathered in Jerusalem,

where Jesus Disciples, his mother and brothers were gathered yet again in a room waiting for the Holy Spirit that Jesus had told them about..

This time, the Spirit didn't come as a Dove, but with the sound of a violent wind

and the sight of Tongues or flames of fire appearing on the disciples heads

from the mouths of Galilean fishermen with their distinctive accent came known languages, recognised by all the crowd that had now gathered

Some accused Peter and Co of being drunk, though it was only nine O'clock in the morning, so he explained that this was the fulfilment of Joel's prophecy that The Spirit would be poured out:

regardless of gender – to sons and daughters

age, - to young and old

or status- to slaves- male and female:

Here was equal opportunity and political correctness before the terms were ever coined!

Peter used the occasion to preach to the crowd and tell them all about the story of Jesus..all the recent events of his death and resurrection: the Good News..the Gospel..

He said that everyone who called on the name of Jesus could be saved..

and as a result 3000 people became Christians that very day.

The visitors to Jerusalem returned to their home countries, taking with them the gospel..

the Good News that this Jesus whom the Jews and Romans between them had crucified.. God had made Lord and Christ.

In Heaven people from every tongue, tribe and nation will praise Jesus as King, and it began at Pentecost. Revelation 7:9

Article submitted Tuesday, May 24, 2011 & read 92 times.

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