Sending the Helper

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, Jesus gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
-Acts 1:4-5

I have a friend who is a 911 dispatcher in Walla Walla County.  One of the games she plays with her children and mine is practicing an emergency.  They pretend there is a problem and tell her all about it so that we are certain they can recite the correct address, give good descriptions, and follow the instructions given in a crisis.  They also learn that there is a person who can send help when it’s needed.

Jesus sent help for the disciples as well.  Before he left them and returned to heaven, before he had been betrayed, arrested, killed, and resurrected, Jesus told the disciples about the “helper” he would send, the Holy Spirit.  He explained to them that he had to leave in order for the Comforter to come.  At one point, he breathed on them and said, receive the Holy Spirit.  On June 5, we celebrate Pentecost, the arrival of the power and embodiment of the Spirit of God.  As Jesus was leaving, he urged the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until this had taken place.  God was sending the Helper.

This Sunday, we begin our summer worship series, “Life Together”.  We will walk through the Book of the Acts of the Apostles through the weeks of summer.  We will learn how this diverse group of people became a church.  We will see their struggles, mistakes, and arguments; as well as their growth and incredible accomplishments.  Hopefully we will see a little of ourselves in their stories as we grow in our faith.  Our summer worship is a single service beginning at 10am.  We hope to see you in worship!

We come, O Lord, on this day to confess our lack of trust. While we sing of your lordship over all creation, we too often act as though you are powerless in the face of today’s events. Help us to live with confidence in your presence today and in hope for life with you forever. In moments of weakness, help us to know the presence of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit.  Guide and direct our thoughts, our steps, and our lives.  Amen.