Come Holy Spirit

This Sunday is the celebration of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' disciples and how they set out in ministry.
Before his ascension to heaven Jesus had commanded his disciples
" Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples" (Matthew 28:19) but this isn't something that he called them to do alone. Although he left them, he promised them that the Holy Spirit would help them to fulfil this mission
"But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
and sure enough from being frightened inarticulate followers they became empowered and empassioned leaders, willing to stand up and be counted - even if others thought them foolish.
(How I love that the first known reaction to the moving of the Spirit is "these people are drunk!" Acts 2)

So what does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
well, I have a theory. And my theory is that, just as we all have different personality characteristics, so the Holy Spirit comes to us in different ways. For example, I don't speak in tongues. I'd love to and have prayed for it earnestly but no, its not happening. I know that were many in my congregation able to speak in tongues they would find it really hard to deal with. For other congregations it is not speaking in tongues that can be an issue.

But I know that I am filled with the Spirit - I have known moments when I can feel the presence of God with me. I have had times when I have had what I have thought was a simple impulse to do something which has turned out to be the answer to prayer for someone. I have been able to do things that I could not do in my own strength. For me, it is the quiet introverted way that the Spirit works in me because I am quiet and introverted. (Well, actually I am loud and introverted).

What is important is that we ask to be filled - and we will receive. We will receive. And it is not a once a year, now or never offer - there is always more power, more love to be shared.
What is important is that we do not class people by the way we see the Spirit working in their lives but rejoice that the Spirit has filled them - in whatever way that happens
What is important is that we are open to the Spirit working within us.
I know there are times that I fail to do that. That I choose to ignore the Spirit because I don't want to be challenged and pushed. I want a duvet day instead.
But when I am open, oh the joys! Sometimes it is a real rollercoaster ride but the love is amazing.
And Pentecost Sunday helps me to refocus and renew and re-open myself to the power of the Holy Spirit.
So, pray with me,
Come Holy Spirit!