From Resurrection to Holy Spirit
Here we go… Technically, we have crossed the midpoint for Eastertide in the "RCL." What is that? The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) is a three-year cycle of scripture readings (Years A, B, and C - Matthew, Mark, then Luke).
Now you know why pastors seem to preach the same thing every year – we just move to a different Gospel.
I am not a “lectionary” preacher. I tend to be more topical, but as I decided this year to walk through Luke (Year C) it doesn't always fit every season. When it does not, I use the RCL to fill in the holes, that Luke leaves out during Eastertide.
BTW, here is a secret - I use the RCL every week for the opening prayer and for the Call to Worship. So I do stay loyal to it in that context.
During Eastertide, the lectionary emphasizes the Gospel of John to reflect on Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances. I bring in Luke's voice through readings from the Acts of the Apostles. There are some parts that align with Easter’s themes of resurrection, the Spirit, and the growth of the early church.
Doing this allows me to balance between John’s spiritual depth and Luke’s inputs for the season.
So as I said, we have crossed the mid-point. We now move from a reflection on the Resurrection to looking ahead to what is coming at Pentecost!
New here?
Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.
After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Every day I add to this same blog posting - so don't look for a new blog this week - just keep opening this one.
Note: Any typos in the blog are not my fault - it's satan!
Now you know why pastors seem to preach the same thing every year – we just move to a different Gospel.
I am not a “lectionary” preacher. I tend to be more topical, but as I decided this year to walk through Luke (Year C) it doesn't always fit every season. When it does not, I use the RCL to fill in the holes, that Luke leaves out during Eastertide.
BTW, here is a secret - I use the RCL every week for the opening prayer and for the Call to Worship. So I do stay loyal to it in that context.
During Eastertide, the lectionary emphasizes the Gospel of John to reflect on Jesus’ resurrection and post-resurrection appearances. I bring in Luke's voice through readings from the Acts of the Apostles. There are some parts that align with Easter’s themes of resurrection, the Spirit, and the growth of the early church.
Doing this allows me to balance between John’s spiritual depth and Luke’s inputs for the season.
So as I said, we have crossed the mid-point. We now move from a reflection on the Resurrection to looking ahead to what is coming at Pentecost!
New here?
Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.
After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Every day I add to this same blog posting - so don't look for a new blog this week - just keep opening this one.
Note: Any typos in the blog are not my fault - it's satan!
Monday: “The Spirit’s Anointing and Guidance”
So, here we are at the start of a new week! As we move closer to Pentecost, it’s fitting to reflect on the Holy Spirit’s role in anointing and guiding God’s people. Today, we turn to Isaiah and Acts to see how the Spirit works in powerful ways to accomplish God’s purposes.
Scripture:
Historical Context:
We see in many places where God uses the Holy Spirit to empower people. In this text, Isaiah, (speaking for God), speaks of the Spirit anointing someone to... bring good news, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom. And what happened? It was fulfilled in Jesus and then points to how the Spirit works through us as His followers.
I included the story of Lydia because women do not get enough attention in the Bible - IMHO! In Acts, we see the Spirit guiding Paul through a vision and opening Lydia’s heart to the Gospel—a reminder that the Spirit leads us to places and people where God’s work is waiting to be done. This is critical for people to read and understand how the Spirit guides us.
This is a wonderful example of how Paul follows the spirit. I mean, look at all that traveling and he had no idea where it was taking him. But just a few paragraphs later and it's Lydia's house where Paul and Silas go when getting out of prison (Acts 16:40).
See how and why the Spirit led Paul there, then converted Lydia, and then was a refuge for Paul and Silas later.
Ever read 1 or 2 Timothy? Guess who pays for Timothy's adventures? Scholars say it was the wealthy Lydia. How do we know show she was wealth? I will leave that to you as a puzzle.
Reflection:
The Spirit’s anointing is not just for extraordinary moments but for our everyday lives. As we walk closely with God, the Spirit empowers us to live out His mission—bringing hope, healing, and freedom to those around us.
But we have to be open to the Spirit’s guidance today. We have to listen for His voice and be ready to follow where He leads. Trust me, once you start doing it you end up apologizing to Him every time you don't!
Reflection Question:
How can you allow the Spirit to guide your decisions and interactions this week? Pick just one time and reflect on that intentional direction of the Holy Spirit in your life.
So, here we are at the start of a new week! As we move closer to Pentecost, it’s fitting to reflect on the Holy Spirit’s role in anointing and guiding God’s people. Today, we turn to Isaiah and Acts to see how the Spirit works in powerful ways to accomplish God’s purposes.
Scripture:
- OT: Isaiah 61:1-3
- NT: Acts 16:9-15
Historical Context:
We see in many places where God uses the Holy Spirit to empower people. In this text, Isaiah, (speaking for God), speaks of the Spirit anointing someone to... bring good news, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom. And what happened? It was fulfilled in Jesus and then points to how the Spirit works through us as His followers.
I included the story of Lydia because women do not get enough attention in the Bible - IMHO! In Acts, we see the Spirit guiding Paul through a vision and opening Lydia’s heart to the Gospel—a reminder that the Spirit leads us to places and people where God’s work is waiting to be done. This is critical for people to read and understand how the Spirit guides us.
This is a wonderful example of how Paul follows the spirit. I mean, look at all that traveling and he had no idea where it was taking him. But just a few paragraphs later and it's Lydia's house where Paul and Silas go when getting out of prison (Acts 16:40).
See how and why the Spirit led Paul there, then converted Lydia, and then was a refuge for Paul and Silas later.
Ever read 1 or 2 Timothy? Guess who pays for Timothy's adventures? Scholars say it was the wealthy Lydia. How do we know show she was wealth? I will leave that to you as a puzzle.
Reflection:
The Spirit’s anointing is not just for extraordinary moments but for our everyday lives. As we walk closely with God, the Spirit empowers us to live out His mission—bringing hope, healing, and freedom to those around us.
But we have to be open to the Spirit’s guidance today. We have to listen for His voice and be ready to follow where He leads. Trust me, once you start doing it you end up apologizing to Him every time you don't!
Reflection Question:
How can you allow the Spirit to guide your decisions and interactions this week? Pick just one time and reflect on that intentional direction of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Tuesday: “A New Heart and Spirit”
Yesterday, we talked about how important it is to follow the Spirit’s lead, even when we don’t fully understand why. Paul didn’t know why the Spirit sent him to Philippi, but God had a plan—Lydia!
God sees the big picture when we don’t. And let’s be honest, there are plenty of times we’d rather have all the answers upfront. But there is much more to this Holy Spirit stuff.
Today, we’ll see that the Spirit’s work doesn’t stop at guiding us—it transforms us from the inside out. That’s where Ezekiel and Jesus come in, with a promise that God doesn’t just lead us; He changes us to live as His people. Anyone up for a little changing?
Scripture:
Historical Context:
In Ezekiel, God is addressing His people who are in exile, stuck in the consequences of their rebellion. But instead of writing them off, God promises to do something radical: He’ll cleanse them, remove their stubborn hearts of stone, and replace them with hearts of flesh.
And then, He’ll put His Spirit in them to guide them. This isn’t about behavior modification; it’s about transformation at the deepest level. Read that again – we are not changing our behavior – we are becoming something completely new!
Fast forward to John’s Gospel, where Jesus is preparing His disciples for what’s next. He promises them the “Spirit of truth,” who will guide them into all truth. The disciples didn’t know everything yet (I call the knuckleheads for a reason), but Jesus reassures them that the Spirit will reveal what they need to know when they need it.
Reflection:
So, let me be blunt and ask… How often do we want to control everything? We like to have a clear plan, right? But God works differently. He gives us Himself. He gives us a new heart and His Spirit to guide us.
The problem? We’re usually so busy clinging to our old ways or trying to figure everything out on our own that we miss what He’s doing.
Those “hearts of stone” Ezekiel talks about? I cannot tell you how many times I tried the same thing over and over and over again – with the same result. Then I had that one day when I said literally (as I was driving) Jesus take the wheel! What I am doing is not working.
It’s that stubbornness that says, “I got this,” even when I clearly don’t. But God doesn’t leave us there. He invites us to let go of our hard hearts and let Him do a heart transplant.
He doesn’t just leave us to figure it out on our own—He gives us His Spirit to guide us, just like He did for Paul, the disciples, and so many others.
Reflection Question:
What’s one area of your life where you need to stop trying to control everything and let the Spirit take over? Maybe it’s a relationship, a decision, or a struggle you’ve been holding onto.
Take time today to invite God to replace your heart of stone with a heart of flesh—and ask the Spirit to lead you. Psst - it is really cool when you finally do!
(And hey, if you’re like me, don’t be surprised if you end up apologizing for all the times you tried to do it your way. The Spirit is patient, and we don’t make His job easy!)
Yesterday, we talked about how important it is to follow the Spirit’s lead, even when we don’t fully understand why. Paul didn’t know why the Spirit sent him to Philippi, but God had a plan—Lydia!
God sees the big picture when we don’t. And let’s be honest, there are plenty of times we’d rather have all the answers upfront. But there is much more to this Holy Spirit stuff.
Today, we’ll see that the Spirit’s work doesn’t stop at guiding us—it transforms us from the inside out. That’s where Ezekiel and Jesus come in, with a promise that God doesn’t just lead us; He changes us to live as His people. Anyone up for a little changing?
Scripture:
- OT: Ezekiel 36:24-28
- NT: John 16:12-15
Historical Context:
In Ezekiel, God is addressing His people who are in exile, stuck in the consequences of their rebellion. But instead of writing them off, God promises to do something radical: He’ll cleanse them, remove their stubborn hearts of stone, and replace them with hearts of flesh.
And then, He’ll put His Spirit in them to guide them. This isn’t about behavior modification; it’s about transformation at the deepest level. Read that again – we are not changing our behavior – we are becoming something completely new!
Fast forward to John’s Gospel, where Jesus is preparing His disciples for what’s next. He promises them the “Spirit of truth,” who will guide them into all truth. The disciples didn’t know everything yet (I call the knuckleheads for a reason), but Jesus reassures them that the Spirit will reveal what they need to know when they need it.
Reflection:
So, let me be blunt and ask… How often do we want to control everything? We like to have a clear plan, right? But God works differently. He gives us Himself. He gives us a new heart and His Spirit to guide us.
The problem? We’re usually so busy clinging to our old ways or trying to figure everything out on our own that we miss what He’s doing.
Those “hearts of stone” Ezekiel talks about? I cannot tell you how many times I tried the same thing over and over and over again – with the same result. Then I had that one day when I said literally (as I was driving) Jesus take the wheel! What I am doing is not working.
It’s that stubbornness that says, “I got this,” even when I clearly don’t. But God doesn’t leave us there. He invites us to let go of our hard hearts and let Him do a heart transplant.
He doesn’t just leave us to figure it out on our own—He gives us His Spirit to guide us, just like He did for Paul, the disciples, and so many others.
Reflection Question:
What’s one area of your life where you need to stop trying to control everything and let the Spirit take over? Maybe it’s a relationship, a decision, or a struggle you’ve been holding onto.
Take time today to invite God to replace your heart of stone with a heart of flesh—and ask the Spirit to lead you. Psst - it is really cool when you finally do!
(And hey, if you’re like me, don’t be surprised if you end up apologizing for all the times you tried to do it your way. The Spirit is patient, and we don’t make His job easy!)
Wednesday: “God’s Presence with Us”
Scripture:
A little bit shorter today... We’ve been focusing on how the Spirit guides and transforms us, but here’s a question: What’s at the heart of all of this? Why does God guide us, transform us, and bless us? It’s all about God’s presence with us.
Not just in the future, but here and now, as He works through us to bless the world.
Historical Context:
Psalm 67 is often called a “missionary psalm,” and for good reason—it’s a prayer that God’s blessings would be known among all nations.
The psalm begins with a familiar line: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us” (v. 1). Sound familiar? It’s based on the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26, where God commands the priests to bless the Israelites in this way. But here’s the twist: Psalm 67 expands the blessing beyond Israel to all nations.
The writer (pslamist) prays for God’s ways to be known on earth and for all peoples to praise Him (v. 2-3). This is Israel’s calling to be a light to the nations, showing God’s character and inviting others into His presence.
While we don't often think of psalmist as prophets this one speaks of the earth yielding its harvest (v. 6), it’s a picture of God’s provision—not just physical provision, but a sign of His spiritual blessings.
Now, when we get to Revelation 21, we see the fulfillment of this mission. John gives us a vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God Himself will dwell with humanity. The old order of things—pain, death, and tears—is gone, replaced by the fullness of God’s presence. If you pay close attention you see that this is the ultimate blessing, the culmination of God’s plan to restore creation and dwell with His people forever. The Psalmist was right!
Sigh - the blessing over and over and it is ignored. (So God sent His son!)
Reflection:
Despite the lack of action today - Psalm 67 reminds us that God’s blessings are never just for us—they’re meant to flow through us to bless the world.
And Revelation 21 shows us why: It’s all leading to a time when God’s presence will fill everything.
But here’s the thing—God’s presence isn’t just something we wait for. It’s something we can experience now. When we see His blessings in our lives, when we feel His Spirit guiding us, those are glimpses of what’s to come. What is guiding us? - His Spirit!
Here’s a challenge: How often do we recognize those glimpses for what they are?
Or do we take them for granted? (Guilty as charged, over here.)
Psalm 67 calls us to live with gratitude and to share God’s blessings with others. And Revelation invites us to live with hope, knowing that the best is yet to come.
For some reason today feels a bit tedious. I think it is just my hindsight and second millennium impatience as an active reader of the text. Why did they not see? I gues the same reason we don't!
Reflection Question:
How does the promise of God dwelling with us forever change the way you live right now?
(And if you need a reminder of God’s presence, look outside. Psalm 67 talks about the earth yielding its harvest— my neighbors garden is blowing up with bounty! Those little signs of God’s care are everywhere, even in the ordinary!)
Bonus for today - I really wanted to dive into this but I just learned of this verse today driving home in my car: Isaiah 58:11 - "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
I've been thinking about this verse all evening but it would not fit....
Scripture:
- OT: Psalm 67
- NT: Revelation 21:1-6
A little bit shorter today... We’ve been focusing on how the Spirit guides and transforms us, but here’s a question: What’s at the heart of all of this? Why does God guide us, transform us, and bless us? It’s all about God’s presence with us.
Not just in the future, but here and now, as He works through us to bless the world.
Historical Context:
Psalm 67 is often called a “missionary psalm,” and for good reason—it’s a prayer that God’s blessings would be known among all nations.
The psalm begins with a familiar line: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us” (v. 1). Sound familiar? It’s based on the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26, where God commands the priests to bless the Israelites in this way. But here’s the twist: Psalm 67 expands the blessing beyond Israel to all nations.
The writer (pslamist) prays for God’s ways to be known on earth and for all peoples to praise Him (v. 2-3). This is Israel’s calling to be a light to the nations, showing God’s character and inviting others into His presence.
While we don't often think of psalmist as prophets this one speaks of the earth yielding its harvest (v. 6), it’s a picture of God’s provision—not just physical provision, but a sign of His spiritual blessings.
Now, when we get to Revelation 21, we see the fulfillment of this mission. John gives us a vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God Himself will dwell with humanity. The old order of things—pain, death, and tears—is gone, replaced by the fullness of God’s presence. If you pay close attention you see that this is the ultimate blessing, the culmination of God’s plan to restore creation and dwell with His people forever. The Psalmist was right!
Sigh - the blessing over and over and it is ignored. (So God sent His son!)
Reflection:
Despite the lack of action today - Psalm 67 reminds us that God’s blessings are never just for us—they’re meant to flow through us to bless the world.
And Revelation 21 shows us why: It’s all leading to a time when God’s presence will fill everything.
But here’s the thing—God’s presence isn’t just something we wait for. It’s something we can experience now. When we see His blessings in our lives, when we feel His Spirit guiding us, those are glimpses of what’s to come. What is guiding us? - His Spirit!
Here’s a challenge: How often do we recognize those glimpses for what they are?
Or do we take them for granted? (Guilty as charged, over here.)
Psalm 67 calls us to live with gratitude and to share God’s blessings with others. And Revelation invites us to live with hope, knowing that the best is yet to come.
For some reason today feels a bit tedious. I think it is just my hindsight and second millennium impatience as an active reader of the text. Why did they not see? I gues the same reason we don't!
Reflection Question:
How does the promise of God dwelling with us forever change the way you live right now?
(And if you need a reminder of God’s presence, look outside. Psalm 67 talks about the earth yielding its harvest— my neighbors garden is blowing up with bounty! Those little signs of God’s care are everywhere, even in the ordinary!)
Bonus for today - I really wanted to dive into this but I just learned of this verse today driving home in my car: Isaiah 58:11 - "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
I've been thinking about this verse all evening but it would not fit....
Thursday: “Love as the Mark of God’s People”
Scripture:
All week, we’ve have been discovering how the Holy Spirit works in our lives—guiding us, transforming us, and drawing us closer to God. But the Spirit isn’t just working in us for our own sake. The Spirit empowers us to reflect God’s love in the world.
Question of the day! Who Gives us the Holy Spirit? Easy answer right?
Historical and Social Context:
Deuteronomy 7:6-9 reminds the Israelites of their identity as God’s chosen people. So why do you think God picked them?
They weren’t chosen because of their size, strength, or righteousness, but because of God’s steadfast, covenant love. But then - some would say God had a bad judge of character…
I’M KIDDING! HE LOVED THEM!!!
This love wasn’t abstract; it was a love that set them apart, called them to live differently, and gave them a purpose: to reflect God’s character to the nations around them.
How often do we wonder how do we show our love?
In John 13, Jesus expands this calling to His disciples. This will be His last time to speak with them…
He gives them a “new commandment” [the 11th commandment as I call it] : “Love one another as I have loved you.” This command isn’t just about being kind—it’s about a sacrificial, self-giving love that mirrors Jesus’ love for us.
The social context here is striking. Jesus and His disciples lived under Roman rule, a world marked by oppression, violence, and division.
In this environment, Jesus calls His followers to stand out—not by their power or influence, but by their love for one another... Of course, that would get them killed!
So, what part of - take your cross and follow me do we, as new Christians, not understand!
Shhesh – who would do that today?
However, this love would become the defining mark of His people, and it would create something the world desperately needed: peace.
The early church lived this out, and their radical love became a powerful witness to the reconciling peace of Christ.
Reflection:
So how does this connect to peace?
It’s simple: God’s love creates peace. When we live in God’s love and reflect it in our relationships, we bring healing, reconciliation, and harmony into the world.
But let’s be honest: Loving others like Jesus loved us isn’t easy.
Is it?!!
It’s sacrificial.
It requires humility, forgiveness, and patience.
And yet, it’s through this kind of love that the peace of Christ takes root—in our hearts, our communities, and our world.
Before I jump to the reflection - let me tuck in a tiny Easter Egg here – I bolded a word somewhere above that is the entire theme of happiness! If you find it and dig into John you will understand and forever be transformed!
That’s worth an easter egg hunt!
Reflection Question:
Where is God calling you to love sacrificially today? And how can your love create the kind of peace that reflects God’s presence to others?
(And remember, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to love like this. We’re not doing it alone!)
Scripture:
- OT: Deuteronomy 7:6-9
- NT: John 13:31-35
All week, we’ve have been discovering how the Holy Spirit works in our lives—guiding us, transforming us, and drawing us closer to God. But the Spirit isn’t just working in us for our own sake. The Spirit empowers us to reflect God’s love in the world.
Question of the day! Who Gives us the Holy Spirit? Easy answer right?
Historical and Social Context:
Deuteronomy 7:6-9 reminds the Israelites of their identity as God’s chosen people. So why do you think God picked them?
They weren’t chosen because of their size, strength, or righteousness, but because of God’s steadfast, covenant love. But then - some would say God had a bad judge of character…
I’M KIDDING! HE LOVED THEM!!!
This love wasn’t abstract; it was a love that set them apart, called them to live differently, and gave them a purpose: to reflect God’s character to the nations around them.
How often do we wonder how do we show our love?
In John 13, Jesus expands this calling to His disciples. This will be His last time to speak with them…
He gives them a “new commandment” [the 11th commandment as I call it] : “Love one another as I have loved you.” This command isn’t just about being kind—it’s about a sacrificial, self-giving love that mirrors Jesus’ love for us.
The social context here is striking. Jesus and His disciples lived under Roman rule, a world marked by oppression, violence, and division.
In this environment, Jesus calls His followers to stand out—not by their power or influence, but by their love for one another... Of course, that would get them killed!
So, what part of - take your cross and follow me do we, as new Christians, not understand!
Shhesh – who would do that today?
However, this love would become the defining mark of His people, and it would create something the world desperately needed: peace.
The early church lived this out, and their radical love became a powerful witness to the reconciling peace of Christ.
Reflection:
So how does this connect to peace?
It’s simple: God’s love creates peace. When we live in God’s love and reflect it in our relationships, we bring healing, reconciliation, and harmony into the world.
But let’s be honest: Loving others like Jesus loved us isn’t easy.
Is it?!!
It’s sacrificial.
It requires humility, forgiveness, and patience.
And yet, it’s through this kind of love that the peace of Christ takes root—in our hearts, our communities, and our world.
Before I jump to the reflection - let me tuck in a tiny Easter Egg here – I bolded a word somewhere above that is the entire theme of happiness! If you find it and dig into John you will understand and forever be transformed!
That’s worth an easter egg hunt!
Reflection Question:
Where is God calling you to love sacrificially today? And how can your love create the kind of peace that reflects God’s presence to others?
(And remember, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to love like this. We’re not doing it alone!)
Friday: “The Spirit Poured Out”
Scripture:
Happy Friday!
We’ve made it to the end of the week, and what better way to close it out than with a promise straight from the heart of God?
Today, we’re talking about the Spirit poured out—a promise of life, hope, and transformation for everyone who belongs to God. And here’s the best part: This isn’t just some ancient promise buried in the pages of the Bible. It’s real, it’s happening, and it’s for us.
Historical and Social Context:
Let me set the stage. Joel 2:28-32 is one of those “jaw-drop” moments in the Old Testament. God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people—not just prophets or priests, not just the “important” or “qualified,” but everyone. Sons and daughters, young and old, servants and free—you name it. No one is left out.
You can imagine how that went over with the big-wigs!
Fast forward to the New Testament, and bam—Pentecost happens (Acts 2). The Spirit comes in power, and suddenly this promise from Joel is fulfilled.
But it doesn’t stop there. In Ephesians 2, Paul takes it deeper. He says the Spirit isn’t just about personal transformation; it’s about building something new. Through Christ, the Spirit takes people who were once divided—Jews and Gentiles—and makes them one.
Together, they become a new community, a holy temple, a living picture of God’s peace. (Remember – your body is a temple! Have another bite of that donut! lol)
The Spirit at Work Today:
Here’s the good news: The Spirit poured out is still moving. It’s not just something we read about—it’s something we live. The same Spirit that empowered Peter to preach at Pentecost and brought Jews and Gentiles together in Ephesus is at work in us. Read that again – the SAME SPIRIT that was in Jesus and Paul and Peter – is IN you!
And what does the Spirit do? It brings life. It breaks down walls. It creates peace. And not just any peace—Christ’s peace. The kind of peace that reconciles us to God and to one another.
Reflection Question:
Where do you see the Spirit at work in your life or community?
(And remember, this isn’t about striving or trying harder. The Spirit poured out is a gift, freely given. Let that gift fill you with joy and peace today.)
Happy Friday—go live in the Spirit’s power and peace!
Scripture:
- OT: Joel 2:28-32
- NT: Ephesians 2:17-22
Happy Friday!
We’ve made it to the end of the week, and what better way to close it out than with a promise straight from the heart of God?
Today, we’re talking about the Spirit poured out—a promise of life, hope, and transformation for everyone who belongs to God. And here’s the best part: This isn’t just some ancient promise buried in the pages of the Bible. It’s real, it’s happening, and it’s for us.
Historical and Social Context:
Let me set the stage. Joel 2:28-32 is one of those “jaw-drop” moments in the Old Testament. God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people—not just prophets or priests, not just the “important” or “qualified,” but everyone. Sons and daughters, young and old, servants and free—you name it. No one is left out.
You can imagine how that went over with the big-wigs!
Fast forward to the New Testament, and bam—Pentecost happens (Acts 2). The Spirit comes in power, and suddenly this promise from Joel is fulfilled.
But it doesn’t stop there. In Ephesians 2, Paul takes it deeper. He says the Spirit isn’t just about personal transformation; it’s about building something new. Through Christ, the Spirit takes people who were once divided—Jews and Gentiles—and makes them one.
Together, they become a new community, a holy temple, a living picture of God’s peace. (Remember – your body is a temple! Have another bite of that donut! lol)
The Spirit at Work Today:
Here’s the good news: The Spirit poured out is still moving. It’s not just something we read about—it’s something we live. The same Spirit that empowered Peter to preach at Pentecost and brought Jews and Gentiles together in Ephesus is at work in us. Read that again – the SAME SPIRIT that was in Jesus and Paul and Peter – is IN you!
And what does the Spirit do? It brings life. It breaks down walls. It creates peace. And not just any peace—Christ’s peace. The kind of peace that reconciles us to God and to one another.
Reflection Question:
Where do you see the Spirit at work in your life or community?
(And remember, this isn’t about striving or trying harder. The Spirit poured out is a gift, freely given. Let that gift fill you with joy and peace today.)
Happy Friday—go live in the Spirit’s power and peace!
Saturday: “Perfect Peace in Christ”
Scripture:
Scripture:
- OT: Isaiah 26:1-4
- NT: John 16:33
Posted in Easter Season 2025
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