Monday, June 1, 2009

A Missional Response to Pentecost

I sat through church yesterday and listened to a Pentecost sermon and the traditional Acts passage and heard something new.  God was speaking.
Before, I focused on how this passage encourages us all to speak.  We are to share.  To tell our story.  The Spirit will give us the ability to do something amazing.  But, hearing the story again yesterday, it became clear.  We aren't supposed to do anything extraordinary.  We're supposed to pay attention.  While we have a responsibility to share our story, we are given the gift to experience other's stories.  The Spirit reveals God's work in other's lives.  And we're brought into the adventure.
This subtle shift in focus has earth shattering implications.  I will be able to see God in others.  I can witness the Spirit of God moving.  I can hear the Good News even when I don't "speak the language".  Because the Spirit opens me.
Now comes the hard part, I have to sit and listen.  This doesn't excuse me from sharing my story, but it requires that I trust that God will open me to experience the Spirit's movement in those around me.  
Come Holy Spirit, come.