Over the last two Sundays, we have seen two pictures of the church. The first picture (seen in Acts 11) is of a new people defined by their relationship to Jesus Christ (hence called Christians) rather than ethnic identities. This new people-group crosses all tribal and linguistic boundaries to spread the word about Jesus. The second picture (seen in John 17) is of a diplomatic mission, completely unlike the world and yet sent into it so that the world might become one with God. These two pictures of mission ought to grab our attention and challenge us—we too easily settle into the comfortable and normal life of the world and forget our calling.
Behind both these pictures, though, is something we must not forget. Acts and John make it clear that this mission is only possible because of the gift of the Spirit. The disciples of Jesus are powerless without the Spirit, but with the Spirit, they become something else entirely—people of a new identity who joyfully forsake the things the world values, like money, a desire for power, or ethnic and national boundaries. In the power of the Spirit, a new family is created that is characterized by self-emptying love, love that does not seem possible in the eyes of the world. The Spirit’s presence is so transformative that Jesus tells the disciples they will do greater things than he did (John 14:12).
I don’t think that most of us expect this to occur. We generally settle into the world’s values and ways of operating because we can’t imagine the Spirit opening the doors of freedom and mission in our lives. We are hampered by ourselves, and settle down into what is intelligible and manageable; we are frightened by the prospect of stepping into the areas that seem unsafe.
But Jesus’ promise in John 14-17 (I will give the Spirit!) and command in Acts 1 (Wait for the Spirit!) are still valid. With the Spirit, new identities, new freedom, and a new ministry in the world are possible.
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Come expectantly, and pray that God would fill and empower you with the Spirit—Jesus promised that the Father would answer this prayer (Luke 11:13). Come expectantly, and be prepared to be changed as you encounter the Spirit of God.
Steven+