Scripture:When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 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. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Acts 2:1-8Reflection:Here is an event that baffles still – what were those people hearing? These people were clearly speaking languages that their hearers, or some of them, understood. And what they were saying made sense – they “spoke of God’s deeds of power”. They themselves might not have understood what they were saying; but their hearers clearly did! Today, we seem in many ways just as divided, and just as confused, as those early hearers of the message about Jesus and his deeds of great power. We are a divided nation over so many issues, who are not hearing or understanding each other very well, and who seem to be talking past each other in so many instances. There are so many issues that are threatening to drive us apart. But part of being in God’s Kingdom, where He reigns, is being together with all those with whom we disagree. Jesus says to his disciples “Peace be with you”. His Spirit is a spirit of peace. So, I invite and encourage you to set some time apart this week to pray for all that is on your heart, all that you want for yourself, for your brothers and sisters and for our world, but more than anything, for understanding and peaceable accommodation with all. For peace. AmenRevd Ylva Blid-Mackenzie
Scripture:49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ 50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:49-53)Reflection:Last Thursday was Ascension Day. One of those “special” days in the church calendar that pass most people by. Which is a shame. The “nativity” – Christmas – marks Jesus’ birth and arrival on earth; the Ascension marks Jesus returning to heaven. Without the ascension, the disciples would have been left wondering; they’d have been left always thinking “is Jesus going to come back again?” But they witness Jesus returning to heaven, to his Father. And, having got over the shock of what they saw, they are filled with joy knowing that what Jesus had told them would happen had actually happened. They’d seen it; so they were joyful and praised God!All they then had to do was wait. Wait for what Jesus had promised would happen next….the coming of the Holy Spirit. We too wait. Waiting to be “clothed with power from on high”. Do so expectantly. It will happen. It will be powerful. Prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit in your life. Revd David
