The gas station where I generally fill up has a large display of Red Bull on the counter. Red Bull is loaded with caffeine, designed to give Something More to your busy day. Evidently it sells quickly; I see lots of Red Bull delivery trucks on the streets and highways. I guess we all crave an extra jolt to handle our endless quest for The Top of the Heap: if we’re lucky, our senses and sensibilities will be anesthetized and overdosed as we Run for the Roses. This Sunday is Pentecost–scriptures of the day address our endless quest for Something More.
Holy Moses. Evidently he was irradiated by Yahweh’s Glory every time they conversed, and he felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities to the Hebrews which it brought. So on Yahweh’s next visit, He scraped some glory off Moses and spread it on seventy other fellows–plus two more who stayed in the camp! (Numbers 11:24-30) Joshua was alarmed at the “prophesying” (speaking for God) that ensued–but Moses welcomed the sharing of Power: “Would that ALL the Lord’s People were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!” (v.29) Our belief gains strength as God empowers the people through the mentoring of those who realize that they’ve been touched by God’s Spirit.
The established reading for Pentecost is found in Acts 2:1-21. Luke recounts how holy fire and wind swept through the meeting of the Apostles, causing them to speak the news of Jesus in languages familiar to those who were gathered in Jerusalem for the festival. We retell this every year because it re-introduces a God who can’t be confined to one culture; we acknowledge a big God who shares a big Presence into a big and welcoming world! A new understanding for me comes from Herman Waetjen, who says that Roman coins of the First Century picture DIVIDED TONGUES OF FIRE over the head of Caesar. God has co-opted this well-known image to proclaim the power/divinity which identifies us as messengers of God’s Presence to the nations…
The reading of the Gospel, John 7:37-39, can really mix metaphors. No fire and wind here: Jesus calls those who thirst for Something More to experience Living Water. More than an advertisement for a quick gulp of momentary satisfaction, he reminds those who believe that they have RIVERS of spiritual reservoirs flowing from their hearts! This has got to be good news for us who’ve burned out on the world’s hollow promises. “When you’ve explored all the culture’s seductive come-ons, when you’ve found nothing that seems lasting and real, come to me and drink the good water, the in-dwelling of my Holy Spirit.”
These days are discouraging, especially after nightfall. I’m disappointed in the shallowness of our government. I’m dismayed at the trashy language and attitude on Facebook and TV. I’m really sick of hearing about the Good Old Days of racial injustice, an imaginary work-ethic and keeping women barefoot and pregnant. “Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me”…
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
My thoughts about lectionary readings for the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com
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Good thoughts from a good guy about a really and always good God! May you be uplifted with the power of Pentecost!
Thanks! And back at ya!