Rock the Boat!

When I read in the Scriptures about the early church, I’m jealous. They had such an incredible experience witnessing “many wonders and miraculous signs” (Acts 2:43).  I long for the sense of purpose and community that they had: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (v.42). They met daily and “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God (v. 46). And He blessed them greatly: “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (v. 47). What an exciting, fulfilling time to “belong to the Way” (9:2). Even the community outside of the faith appreciated them, “they enjoyed the favor of all the people” (47).

Well maybe not everyone.

After healing a man who had been crippled from birth, Peter and John proclaimed the gospel to the astonished crowd.  A great number of people believed and that angered the Jewish authorities. They questioned the apostles who then boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus to them. They commanded Peter and John to stop teaching in His name. Their response? “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (4:19-20). Later they arrested and flogged them. Remarkably, they rejoiced at their mistreatment “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (5:17-41)

How very different from our modern, western culture, where religion is regarded as a personal preference and not a life-giving entity. In the US the battle cry is “separation of church and state,” and in our workplaces, schools, the public square, even among our peers, we are told to keep our religion to ourselves. Unlike the bold apostles, we do it because we don’t want to rock the boat. But true Christianity is all-or-nothing. It spills over into every aspect of our lives because “we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” We’ll gladly take the scorn of the world for the Name. Besides, it’s only going to get worse, not better. Beloved, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, it’s time to not only rock the boat but get out of it and walk on the water.

Let It Rain!

It began as a gentle rain on the first night of our retreat where forty hungry women gathered to hear from the Lord. The rain stirred something in the core of my soul and I cried out, “Rain down, Holy Spirit, rain down! Rain down on us! We need You Holy Spirit – Rain down!” As we continued to worship, the rain grew louder. We received it as a promise of God’s power and presence with us that weekend – a promise He kept as dead roots of bitterness, anger, shame, unworthiness, guilt, pain, and pride were pulled up and livings roots of peace, joy, purpose, healing, forgiveness, and hope grew deep and strong. It reminded me of another time the Holy Spirit rained down.

The disciples and followers of Jesus were all gathered together in Jerusalem after His death and resurrection and something amazing happened. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts2:1-2). They were empowered to speak boldly about Jesus, even in languages they did not know. Thousands heard them and came to salvation through the message of a simple fisherman, filled with power from on High. This was the fulfillment of a promise made through the prophet Joel. “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29). It was this same Spirit that fell on a small gathering of women as refreshing rain.

I believe this Spirit is missing in most of our churches. And most of our lives. We desperately need the Spirit of truth and wisdom. The Spirit of boldness and power. The Spirit of Holy Love and compassion. Without Him, we are just “going through the motions” – empty people with empty hearts and empty hands. Beloved, do you want more Life in your life? Does your church need power? Wisdom? Truth? Boldness? God is still moving and working in the world. Invite His Holy Spirit to rain down – and reign over – your life. You will never go through the motions again.