Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Word
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
Meditation
We’ve done a LOT of puzzles in the last year. Take a thousand different pieces and put them together. It’s hard when one piece looks like another, but it won’t fit. It’s a different shape. But if you can make it to the end, all those different pieces together make something beautiful.
Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church, and it looks like a puzzle. We are a beautiful fit of many different pieces put together by the Spirit of God. United in Christ, we are different together.
Today, there is a spirit of division in our society. “Different” has come to mean “divided.” We’re being ripped apart at the seams. Every difference is pulled to a divide: Politics, color, class, zip codes, urban or rural, over masks and vaccines. Christians are not immune to this spirit of division.
Yet, the DNA of the Christian church is the opposite of division. At the first Pentecost there were different people from different nations speaking different languages. Still, it says they were “all together” (2:1). They were united by one Spirit, understanding one message, called to believe in one Christ (2:36).
Often I feel helpless to bring people together. My nature is to walk with everyone together on the same road. It’s humbling when people scatter down a million alleyways. Pentecost answers the question of how true unity is achieved. Christian unity does not come by a strategic plan or diplomatic negotiation. God alone puts the different pieces together. Only the Holy Spirit – by wind and fire – could create such a diverse community. Only Jesus can hold together such a wild family tree.
Everything in our world is trying to divide us. But there is only One name under heaven by which we must be saved. We are related to each other by the same blood, shed at the cross for our wicked division.
The symbol of our faith in Christ is two lines coming together at one point. So Jesus has come to meet us at the point of reconciliation. It is as this point that God heals our wicked division and fits us together with him, and with others. We live in such a divided world. Let’s be different from the division around us. Be different together.
Holy Spirit, fall upon us anew. As at the first Pentecost, unite your church. Put down division. Compel us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ and your mighty power to bring “different together.” Amen.
For My Close Christian Community
- For a few close and trusted Christian brothers or sisters. Give me encouragement, accountability, godly counsel, and Christian love through these relationships.
- For a haven of Christian community where I can be loved in Christ, and from that love be sent into the world.
- For honest speech and mutual love and care for one another.
Benediction
May the almighty and merciful God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us. Amen.