Yesterday as we reflected on Pentecost, we saw that God’s people need to be fuelled by the fire of the Holy Spirit and propelled by the wind of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2-3) In that sense, we are like hot air balloons who, through the design of an envelope and gondola, are propelled by burning liquid propane. The breath of God and the fire of His Spirit are meant to lift us upwards so that we can soar like eagles (Is 40;31), having an eternal and divine perspective which breaks the chains that tie us merely to earth.
Wind is chaotic, however, often bringing debris and disrupting normal life in its wake. We must be prepared for God to bring mess into our lives, to disrupt our routines and plans, to surprise us! That first Pentecost looked bewildering to people – others speaking in foreign languages, people appearing to be drunk. God cannot be fitted into our human-made boxes. He is in control, and when He moves by His Spirit, we must make room for Him!
Fire is fuel. Rom 12:11-12 reminds us that we need to keep our spiritual fervour, not losing zeal as we serve God. Eph 5:18-20 reminds us of the need to be filled and re-filled with the Spirit; we need His burning energy in us to keep us afloat! God wants to fill us so that we soar above (Eph 2:6) and can witness to His goodness and compassion (see Ps 116:1-7). Pentecost is not just about a historical event (though we remember this with gladness.) It is an ongoing experience as we allow God to fill us and break all chains that tie us earth. It’s time to soar like a hot air balloon!