The Empowering Gift

Over the last few days, we’ve reflected on the gift of the Holy Spirit. We continue that theme today. 

Several years ago, I remember hearing a story about Desmond Tutu at a time when the South African government canceled a political rally against apartheid. Tutu was leading a worship service in St. George’s Cathedral, and soldiers and riot police came in carrying guns and bayonets, ready to close it down. 

The Bishop began to speak of the evils of the apartheid system, and how the rulers and authorities that propped it up were doomed to fall. He pointed a finger at the authorities: “You may be powerful, very powerful, but you are not God. God cannot be mocked. You have already lost.”

Then, in a moment of tremendous tension, the bishop seemed to soften. Coming out from behind the pulpit, he flashed his radiant smile and began to bounce up and down with joy. “Therefore, since you have already lost, we are inviting you to join the winning side!” The crowd roared, and the people began to dance. 

Dancing in the face of guns and bayonets! Only something as powerful as the fiery energy of the Spirit could make this possible.

Pastor Jana Childers writes about how the Spirit’s power in churches today can show up in thundering choirs, and in soaring rhetoric. The Spirit’s power can show up in congregations that sing with all their hearts… who pray without ceasing, and who extend themselves selflessly for others…

I think about those I know who have cared for loved ones with Alzheimer’s for months, even years.

I think about a friend who’s been sober for 32 years now who tells me, only by God’s grace. 

I think about people of different races, socio-economics, and even different political leanings! being pulled together to work side by side for a better community… 

I think about how on the onset of Covid and we shut the church down, we had this sinking feeling of… what’s going to happen?

And I think about how in all these situations, invited or uninvited, it is only by the power of the Spirit.

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for the gift of your Spirit. May your Spirit again fill our churches, our families, and our lives. Empower us to be people of healing, hope, and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.