When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 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.
Wow, if there's anything that someone from Ellensburg, Washington should understand... it would be the power, frustration and sheer unpredictability of the wind. Sure, there are things we can observe about the wind that can help us plan our day... for example: this week a long-term hardcore local resident told me that if it's not very windy in the morning, you can be assured a strong wind won't start up late in the afternoon in our valley. I believed him, because frankly, I'm not a terribly observant person. I've lived here a great portion of my life, and I still couldn't tell you if the wind generally blows in from the North, South, East or West.
But even for the most observant person in the world... wind is - and will always be - a mystery that cannot be completely contained, described, or understood. Even the gazillion dollar turbines at the Wild Horse wind farm (Northeast of town) can't begin to harness the immense power of the Ellensburg wind. When it's all said and done, all they can really do is take in a small amount of energy at a time. It's kind of like a child trying to pick up his or her newly build sand castle... inefficient at best!
It's that way with the awesome revelation of God too, don't you think? I mean, He's given us resources in which to capture a glimpse of His eternal power and presence... things like Scripture (the story), prayer (the communication), and the Church (the community). However, none of these ordained resources makes much sense in and of themselves. Stories, prayers, and groups of people are a dime a dozen - but the thing that gives them life is the Wind of God... the breath of God... the Spirit of God. However, let me be clear... the Spirit of God is not a what, but a Who. He is the living, breathing Person of God Who makes something from nothing (creation), Who opens our eyes and reveals the love of God to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (salvation) and Who breathes new life into death (resurrection). He is powerful, He is willing, He is able, He is Awesome... and He is good. But nevertheless, we can observe Him... but the Holy Spirit transcends our ability to wrap God up in a neat little package and domesticate Him.
In Exodus 3:14, God had this to say: "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
He is who he is... He gets to make the rules. He determines what is right and wrong. He alone is able to give and take away life. He is the LORD... and He - through the ministry of Christ - died for you. The Wind of God is willing to give you the gift of eternal life... are you willing to accept it?
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