Under the Influence
Happy Pentecost Sunday!
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This is Pentecost Sunday.
It is the day Christian churches around the world
celebrate the tongues of fire that landed on the heads
of the people gathered in the temple.
The tongues of fire represent the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit allowed the people from
about eight different language regions
to hear in their own native languages
the disciples’ message –
– the Word of God.
The story of the coming of the Holy Spirit
is told in Acts 2: 1-21.
I read that scripture passage aloud
in our church service this morning.
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Then Rev. Jean Johnson
of our Madison Valley Presbyterian Church
in Ennis, Montana
preached a sermon on that topic.
These are the poetic notes I took as I listened to her message:
“Under the Influence”
The disciples were filled
With New Wine – the Word –
It’s known as Pentecost Sunday.
People thought they were absurd.
Sometimes we, too, become
Intoxicated with New Wine –
Drunk on self-importance,
Inebriated on everything fine.
Possessions, new cars,
Perfectionism, being right;
Approval, needing it from others;
Knowledge, seen as being bright.
We’ve all been intoxicated
By hobbies – like fishing.
What are you drunk on?
For what are you wishing?
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My drink of choice is
Writing and staying in touch.
But that liquid isn’t everlasting;
It doesn’t fill me up very much.
I know for certain I need
To be under the influence
Of those gifts from God that
Help me live in love and prudence.
I am asked to drink
A New Wine that fills
My heart with God’s grace.
The thought of it brings chills.
God’s Day of “Sober Drunkenness”
Is a day filled with paradox.
It’s a day to set aside
The drinks that wind our clocks!
It’s a day to open up
The bottle of forgiveness.
Drink deeply of God’s Power.
It is intoxicating Goodness.
Let His potion sweep you
Off your feet to see
Your Pentecostal Moment.
Feel the Spirit; drink with glee.
Under the influence
Of God’s transforming love,
Let His New Wine fill you
With His Holy Spirit from above.
Pentecost brings us sobriety and inebriation.
Where are your moments of “Sober Drunkenness”?
Do you feel the Holy Spirit’s presence in you?
Let the tongues of fire land on your head
and fill you with God’s Love!
Happy Day of Pentecost!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
Do leave me a message telling me about your
“Drink of Choice” on this Pentecostal Sunday.
What fills YOUR cup?
See you tomorrow.
