JUNE MESSAGE

JUNE MESSAGE … The Holy Spirit

Jesus had promised his disciples that  he would send the Holy Spirit to be with them to help them in the work that they had to do after he had ascended into heaven. They were told not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for this promised gift.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

… they heard a sound like a violent wind … they saw what looked like tongues of fire … and all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2: 1-4

People were amazed to hear the disciples speaking to them in their own languages but others thought the disciples must be drunk. Then Peter stood up and addressed the crowd. When he had finished speaking we are told that about 3000 were added to their number.

The disciples had spent about three years with Jesus witnessing the miracles and hearing his teaching but after his death and resurrection and ascension into heaven they were daunted by the prospect of having to continue the work without him. But the promised Holy Spirit gave them the courage and power and gifts they needed to proceed.

Sometimes we too can feel daunted by the work we have to do and can feel we are not up to the task. But God promises to send his Holy Spirit to be with each of us ... to be our comforter and our counsellor and to equip, enable and empower us in our daily lives.

Let us open our hearts to receive God's promised Holy Spirit.

If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

Luke 11:13

Brian Turner … Churchwarden St Mary’s Knockin.