Draw Closer to the Holy Spirit
It is Pentecost, the time when Christians celebrate the birth of the Christian church. It is on the day of Pentecost that God gave to humanity the gift that Christ has promised them when he said that One would come "who would empower them from on high" (Luke 24:49). This gift, this promised One, was the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples as they were gathered together, and it spilled out upon the masses until more than 3000 were baptized into the faith that day. The people were touched by the Holy Spirit with tongues like flames. When they were touched, they could understand one another, each in his own language.
Because of what happened on the Day of Pentecost (described in Acts 2:1-21), we tend to associate the Holy Spirit’s presence and power with amazing phenomena and large numbers. We forget that a little later the same people filled with the same Holy Spirit were rejected, scourged, imprisoned, even executed. But through it all they were powerful witnesses!
The apostles were called to take the Good News to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit gave them the focus, strength and power they needed to succeed. The call upon our lives is no different. We are also called to take the gospel out to the world. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Like the apostles, have you witnessed for Christ?
If you are feeling distant from the Advocate, if you are seeking inspiration from the Paraclete, then this season is the right time. Take time to draw closer to the Comforter, for He is wanting to be close to you.
As we begin this wonderful season, let us begin with a piece of poetry from Bianco da Siena, written in 1434.
Come down, O Love divine,
Seek out this soul of mine
And visit it with Your own ardor glowing;
O Comforter, draw near,
Within my heart appear,
And kindle it, Your holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn,
Till earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let Your glorious light
Shine ever on my sight,
And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
And so the yearning strong
With which the soul will long
Shall far out pass the power of human telling;
For none can guess God’s grace,
Till Love creates a place
Wherein the Holy Spirit make a dwelling.
- Pastor Karen Crawford
