Spirit on the move

Numbers 11:24-30; Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23

Let me start with this: in Luther’s small catechism, we learn that the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies us. In other words, it’s through the Spirit that we believe, learn, and are made holy. As you listen, notice how Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the people in the stories.

And, because the Holy Spirit is often connected with Lady Wisdom in the Old Testament and Sophia in the New Testament, God’s Holy Spirit often is referred to as “she”.  

God’s Spirit has been active in our world from the very moment of creation. Spirit moves over the waters of creation, inspires and guides Noah and Abraham and his family. She protects Moses and the Israelites during the plagues and the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Spirit encourages the prophets and gives them words to speak. And so forth.

Today, our first reading focuses on a moment in the wilderness when Moses realized he couldn’t do everything; he needed to appoint elders to assist in deciding conflicts. A group of seventy men was gathered, and they were given some of Moses’ spirit. Two more men were not in the original group, but also received the spirit. When some folks complained that the two men received and used the spirit even though they shouldn’t have it, Moses replied that he wished all God’s people had the spirit.

The reading from Acts reminds us that the Holy Spirit is uncontrollable; she shows up as wind and fire and the spiritual gifts of language and proclamation. It must have been a wild and crazy experience that day in the plaza in Jerusalem. Jews from all over the region heard the story of Jesus resurrection in their own languages. And Peter’s sermon moved them to believe and be baptized. This was also the work of the Holy Spirit.

Mostly, let’s think about what it was like that Sunday, after the crucifixion. The disciples, men and women, are gathered in the upper room with the door locked. They are grieving because Jesus, after all their hope, is dead and buried in a tomb. Mary has reported she has seen Jesus. Can they trust her word? She’s a woman!

And they are afraid the leaders, Roman and Jewish, will seek them out too, as collaborators with Jesus. Only Thomas is missing. Was he not afraid? Or was he, as I suggested, finding other ways to process his grief? Were the other disciples worried about him? In this room, the collective anxiety level must have been extremely high.

And suddenly, Jesus pops into the room. And raised the anxiety level even higher. We remember in those days, the folks were very superstitious and probably thought Jesus was a ghost.

Jesus says what all messengers from God say, “Don’t be afraid. Peace.” In other words, “Hey, guys, it’s me!” The text doesn’t say so, but I’ll bet they all just took a few minutes before the story John tells could continue.

As he often does, Jesus invites the group to gather around so he can explain some things. And to help with comprehension, he gives them all a gift – the Holy Spirit. Jesus breathes on them, and with a breath in, the disciples all receive the Spirit. And they are now sent to continue Jesus’ mission of sharing God’s love with all people.

From this moment on, the disciples have a new role, sharing the good news and managing the ministry. They now have the power to welcome believers and forgive sins. They will need the guidance of the Holy Spirit even more, now.

We, too, have the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Her presence officially begins with our baptism, but I believe it begins long before that. And continues all our lives, no matter what we are doing, where we go, who we are with. With the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we can share the good news of the resurrection as well as the first disciples. There is no difference in the level of power – it’s the same Spirit as always. Let’s not let our personal doubt and fear prevent what God sends us to do.

As a congregation, what do we imagine we can do, what mission is on the hearts and minds of members, but not mentioned because we don’t think it’s possible. It could be a lawn party for neighbors, or turkey sandwiches for first responders on Thanksgiving, or a fundraiser for the women’s shelter. Whatever we decide to try, let’s not tell God’s Spirit no, we can’t. Who are we to inhibit God’s plans?

I heard this story yesterday, over sandwiches after the funeral. I was at the table with some family members. We were talking about how we express our beliefs in public.

It happened at a grocery store checkout lane. I’m going to assign some names to make the telling easier. Charlie had a full cart, put all the items on the belt, paid for his groceries and prepared to move off to his car. As he moved away, he said, “oh, wait a minute, I forgot something.” By now, Martha has put her cart-load of food on the belt. Charlie pulled out his credit card and paid for Martha’s groceries.

I detect some movement of the Holy Spirit at work here. What prompted Charlie’s generosity? Did he notice something that indicated Martha’s need? Or was it just something he did to feel good? Some people are just naturally inclined to be generous, to pay it forward. I can’t imagine that this action happened without the prompting of the Spirit.  The Spirit must also have moved in Martha’s heart, as she was the recipient of Charlie’s gift. Don’t feel ashamed, just accept the gift with love and gratitude.  

When we are feeling anxiety or pain, we tend to shorten our breaths, often into a pant. It’s hard to breathe when we do that. My recommendation is to remember we are not alone, we can do whatever is before us to do. And to slow down our breathing, so we can take in the Holy Spirit.

She is always there, so just breathe. Receive the Holy Spirit. Allow yourself to be called, gathered, enlightened, and made holy, just by breathing in, again and again, the presence of God’s Spirit. Amen