Rushing Wind

1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:1-4)

When the disciples first received the promised Spirit, it was a spectacular event - rushing wind, tongues of fire, enhanced speaking abilities. And it had the additional benefit of being experienced by those both within the community of Jesus' followers and those who were outside of that community of faith. Prior to Jesus' crucifixion, he had prepared his disciples for the coming of this Spirit - also referred to as Advocate or Paraclete (to come along side) - by explaining the role and purpose of the Spirit: to continue the work of Jesus in and through his followers. Jesus had laid down his righteous life to save a sinful world from God's judgement, and the Spirit would come along side Jesus' followers to empower them to do the same.

The Spirit is still here, still flowing through our lives. While, perhaps, seen most profoundly in those who give of themselves to fight injustice, save the planet, or help those in need, the Spirit also flows through them to all of us who are impacted by their witness and work. When we are moved to make a positive change, to see differently - or more clearly and compassionately - the plight of another, or to open the eyes of others to such causes, the Spirit is flowing. When we study God's word and are moved to grow in our understanding and our faith, the Spirit is flowing. Through those who are preaching, teaching, and encouraging out of what God had poured into them, the Spirit is flowing. The Spirit still corrects, enlightens, encourages, and empowers us to strive for right relationship with God and to give of ourselves to lift someone else. The Spirit has never stopped

flowing - to the glory of God!

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. (John 16:7-11)