In the Season of Pentecost, we are learning about the work of the Holy Spirit as the continuing presence of Jesus in the world. Last Sunday the Readings were about having our spiritual eyes and ears opened. This Sunday we are learning about the danger of an uninstructed tongue and the power of spoken words.
1 1. Holy Spirit enables Peter to understand who Jesus is.
Jesus had been dropping big clues for years in the healing miracles and teachings. This was an extremely dangerous question. If Jesus had clearly claimed His identity as Messiah, the religious authorities would have had Him executed for blasphemy – as they eventually did.
· Solution was for Him to be vague enough to avoid arrest and drop hints that anyone listening to Holy Spirit would understand.
· Whenever anyone figured it out, they were instructed to not tell others.
· Point is the danger of seeing spiritual things that others do not see – leads directly to conflict with those who don’t see (Story of my life).
2. James warns us of the spiritual danger of what we say
The words that come out of our mouths affect our physical and our spiritual life:
· What we say reveals what is going on inside us.
· Words have power - what we say can be a blessing that encourages us in daily life and blesses our spiritual life.
· Story of little girl whose tricycle the postman tripped on – bound her to be a “ …stupid little girl who will never amount to anything”
· Creation story – God said, “Let there be…” and it was so.
23. Isaiah gives us hope of Holy Spirit Instruction
Isaiah was the ancient Hebrew prophet who explains “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary.” (50.4):
· First part of Isaiah prophesied Israel would be taken into Captivity (586 – 538)
· Last part, probably by his disciples was written after Exiles return and prophecy a “Suffering Servant” who would be their Saviour.
· Gives us hope that there is divine guidance – correction when we are going in the wrong direction and joy, words of knowledge and prophecy when we are in right relationship
4. “Therefore, I have set my face like flint” (50.7b)
In about 1988 Lucille was driving me between leading morning prayer as a lay person in Bashaw to another service Rimbey re-reading the Isaiah Reading.:
· Was discerning whether I was really called to ministry
· Words jumped out at me as a choice I would have to make – be all in and speak what I had been given by Holy Spirit and risk offending people or not go into ordained ministry
· The question was settled long before when I saw the movie Shane and realized there was a need for people who had exceptional courage and skill in protecting people from the bad guys.
· This is a choice we all must make if we aspire to be a serious Christian or teacher in the Church
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