Uncontrollable Spirit
The Spirit cannot be controlled by
a certain date
marked Pentecost
fifty days following Easter.
You don’t have to tell me that the
ninth of July
makes no sense as
far as church liturgical
calendar lists but this year
a mini
Pentecost came
as two fathers of a precocious
five-year-old answer “I will” then
the congregation
responds with
“We will” and baptismal vows are sealed.
Certainly, this child does not yet
have the words to
express, as he
one day shall, but you should have seen
the light shine through his eyes as the
water dripped from
his head and arms.
At the time the beautiful prayer
shawl was wrapped about
his small frame he
accepts that God loves him.
He accepts applause and promises
of family
and congregation
to bring him up in the ways of God.
On a day when people arrive
with sad eyes, confusion,
and uncertainties
winds of the Spirit blew peace
and joy into hearts who were so
glad they were here
this holy
baptism day.
Matthew 3:13-17 (CEB) The Baptism of Jesus
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him. John tried to stop him and said, “I need to be baptized by you, yet you come to me?”
Jesus answered, “Allow me to be baptized now. This is necessary to fulfill all righteousness.”
So John agreed to baptize Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.”
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One of the hardest things for people to realize is that God dearly loves and finds happiness in us. After all, we know our regrets and sorrows that sometimes inflict pain.
When we come together in worship, we are reminded of the goodness within ourselves. Then as we allow our eyes to wander, and wonder how others are doing, we are reminded of the goodness within others.
Unwinding while experiencing simple gifts of summer can take away negativity. Favorites such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, cloud watching, and flower gazing, take us away and unwind our bodies, minds, and souls. While taking care of ourselves, we relax into creativity and a sense of wonder.
Tonight, while walking at the park there were many bunnies venturing out of the thicket. They didn’t go far from home but seemed to be testing boundaries while remaining safe.
Even though we sometimes feel unsafe, sad, or discombobulated, it helps to venture out just a bit and remember that we are cherished by a God whose love knows no bounds. These words from John remind us of the unpredictability of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:8. (CEB)
God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes.
You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going.
It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Wherever you are and whatever your state, open your senses to the winds of the Spirit. Your pastors wrap their collective arms around you in prayer. Open your hands and receive the gifts God has for you.
Then hold them close to your heart.
Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view or download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2023-07-12