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Following the resurrection of Jesus the
disciples saw Him on many occasions.
On these occasions, such as that at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus tried to
teach them about the work they had to perform, not just in Israel but
throughout the then known world. When
He came to leave them for the last time He told them to wait in As they were assembled in the Upper Room
it seemed as though a strong wind shook the house and cloven tongues of fire
were to be seen on their heads. This
important picture language tells us something about the work of the Holy Spirit. 1 The
power of the Holy Spirit seen in the power of the wind, God is not to be seen as some benevolent
person but as an almighty power who will give us great strength. Just think of the power of the wind and
then think of the power of God. 2 The
wind comes and goes, We cannot see it but we know its
effects. So too with the power of
God. It comes when we least expect
it. It is something we cannot see but
we can see its effects - the early disciples certainly showed its effects in
their mission. 3 Fire, It has three properties – (a)
warmth, (b) danger, and (c) light. The
Holy Spirit uses all three of these properties. It gives us the warmth of God’s love
- a love that will never leave those who request it. It also gives us care - for God wishes us
to avoid danger and so He tries to keep us clear of sin. It is our own wilfulness in refusing His
help that leads us into sin. ‘I
can go my own way’, ‘I can look after myself’, we say and
then walk headline into danger. Lastly it gives light - light to show us of God and to
show us the path ahead. God is like a
shepherd guiding us by the Holy Spirit to living pastures. He also is seeking to show us of Himself
before we meet Him in totality in His kingdom. |
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