Power and Light

Do you know what special day this is? This is Pentecost Sunday. It’s the time when we remember that before Jesus returned to heaven, he promised that his Father would send a helper — the Holy Spirit — to live inside of those who follow him. He promised that the Holy Spirit would give them the power to do great and mighty things.

It happened just as Jesus said it would. On the day which is called Pentecost, the disciples were all together in one place. The Bible tells us that there was a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind and it filled the place where the disciples were gathered. Then, there were flames of fire that appeared and rested upon each of them. When these things happened, the disciples were filled with power and began to preach and teach about Jesus. They were able to do things that they had never done before because of the power of the Holy Spirit in them.

This morning I have brought a flashlight to help us understand just how important the Holy Spirit is. The flashlight is not very large, but it sure puts out a bright light, doesn't it? I have several of these flashlights around the house. There is one in the kitchen, another in the family room, the bedroom, and the bathroom. If the electricity goes off and it is dark, these flashlights help me find my way around the house. They provide an emergency lighting system.

What do you think gives this flashlight the power to light up a room? Of course, the flashlight has a battery inside that gives it power. Without that power inside, the flashlight just doesn’t work. That reminds me of the way the Holy Spirit works in our life. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Our Scripture lesson today tells us that on the day of Pentecost people were filled with the Holy Spirit so that they could do mighty things as the Spirit gave them the ability. It is the same power of the Holy Spirit that enables you and me to let our light shine in the world. Just as a flashlight must have batteries to give it power, the Holy Spirit is our source of power to live for Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank you that you have sent us the power of the Holy Spirit. Please fill us up each day with the Holy Spirit that we would have the power to live for Jesus and let his light shine in our lives. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.