The semester is finished. We have celebrated and dispersed another class of graduates. Special thanks to all the amazing staff and volunteers that made our Baccalaureate and Commencement services a beautiful celebration of calling, hard work, the grace of God, and the ongoing life of God’s love for the world.

This week we settle for a moment. The Faculty will be on a combined retreat with the faculty of Wartburg Seminary in honor of the 500th anniversary of the writing of the Augsburg Confession. Pray that this will be a time of refreshment and renewal for both faculties.

And…for our working preachers and worship leaders…it is PENTECOST!

Some reflections on Pentecost and the disruptive nature of the Spirit

Pentecost is a Jewish holiday that happens 50 days after Passover. It came to represent the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. Jews would make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem from all parts of the world to celebrate this holy day.

Something amazing happened when the disciples of Jesus gathered in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

The Holy Spirit came upon them in a new and fresh way. The Spirit shook the house like a mighty wind and descended upon them like tongues of fire.

The disciples were filled with power, courage, and the ability to speak (or be heard) in languages they did not know.

The story is found in Acts 2:1-13.

That’s what happened 2,000 years ago. But, what does it mean? How does it relate to us today?

Two thousand years later the church finds itself in need of another Spirit disruption. We, like the Jewish people of Jesus’ day, are divided into factions. Much of our Christianity has been reduced to ritualism, church membership, or individualistic piety.

This Pentecost, I encourage you to reflect on one simple thing. The same Spirit that filled Jesus’ disciples with courage and the power to be witnesses of the Good News is the Spirit that fills you.

What is the Spirit wanting to disrupt and recharge in your life this year?