Pentecost-Renewal and Transformation
Paul wrote "be transformed by the renewal of your mind and so discern God's will"(Romans 12:2)
Pentecost and Aldersgate Sunday (May 24th this year) mark significant moments in the lives of the disciples of Jesus and John Wesley. We could say their lives were renewed and transformed. The day is a reminder of the constant power of God's spirit throughout the ages.
Paul wrote to Timothy saying "God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power. love and self-discipline
(2Tim.1 v 7) and Brian Wren wrote "there's a spirit in the air, praise the love that Christ revealed, living, working in our world"
(STF 398). Both reminding us of the transforming and renewing power of the spirit, demonstrated in daily life.
Tear Fund currently has a number of programs worldwide aimed at transforming and renewing communities, often through individuals and local churches which involve providing clean water, safe sanitation and healthy hygiene. It seeks to show the working out of the gospel practically, one aspect of life in all its fulness.
Just as many ordinary things are renewed (Insurances, Licences) regularly, so God's spirit can renew our lives regularly and enable us to both share the Gospel practically and personally.
The Spirit empowered the disciples to travel the known world sharing the good news of Jesus being alive and able to change people, and enabled John Wesley to begin his travelling the country sharing the same good news.
This Pentecost gives us the opportunity to be open afresh to the spirit's empowering, and in transformation and renewal to discern God's will for our lives, and then to act upon it. (But of course daily devotions and study and regular worship are essential too!)
Michael Pullan