THE BIBLE – TODAY’S TREASURE HUNT
COMMENT FOR PENTECOST - 04-06-06
Ezekiel 37:1-14
The prophet speaks out of the nation’s despair as the reality of the exile in Babylon grips the people. However the vivid picture in his vision is the story of a new creation. The spirit breathes new life into old structures to replace the desolation. This new life would begin and go on to shape the future Israel.
Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b
This is a great piece of Hebrew poetry and a beautiful nature-hymn. The psalmist sees himself as standing before God, delighted with God at the incredible beauty and variety of the natural world. God’s benevolent power provides for all that is good. But then we are suddenly serious for “life is the breath of God, and all things come into being and pass away in a continual process of recreation by an ever - living God.
Acts 2: 1-21
Here is an event of such force that a new creation emerges. The words wind, breath, and spirit all derive from the same Hebrew word. As with the purifying flame these elements have been with us all the time. Pentecost came on the fiftieth day after Passover (Leviticus 23: 15-21). Two loaves from the harvest were offered in thanksgiving on the holiday. Suddenly the friends of Jesus who were praying together come onto the streets with a story they just had to tell.
John 15: 26-27: 16: 4b-15
Jesus explains to his disciples how they would feel in their space/ time way of thinking when his physical presence was gone. The Advocate – the spiritual presence of God - the Counsellor would argue their case to the outside world. The spirit of truth then and now helps in the discovery of what is important in our spiritual growth as the years go by.
A Pentecost question. If you are hunting for treasure think how over the centuries the institution of slavery fell before the spirit of truth. then ask what forms of slavery still resist this power of the Spirit in our economy-obsessed culture?
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