The first days at a new job are great, aren’t they? You don’t know much so aren’t responsible for much. Everything is new, the people, the processes, the list of priorities, and on and on. I remember my introduction as a driver for a drycleaning business. My first day I got to drive around with a knowledgeable employee. He was friendly, laid back, joking. I thought, Cool! I’m gonna like this! On my second day, he didn’t show up for work. So? You say. Well, there was no one else to train me, so I was it! We had made the trip, yesterday, to thirteen outlets, once in the morning to pick up clothing and once in the afternoon to take it back. This was before cell phones and before GPS was widely used. Panic! I was new to the area, and realized I had spent the day before listening to jokes and casual banter, and had paid way too little attention to the route (did I mention I’m directionally challenged?). The sun dimmed suddenly and I could feel the rumblings of imminent disaster (I survived, but there were, um, moments).
For the disciples, the first days after Pentecost were thrilling as they found themselves swept up in the furious torrent of their joy in the Spirit, which led from one jaw-dropping event to another. People were joining their group, generosity was everywhere, peace reigned, communion was sweet. Then, conflict with the religious elite – serious, indignant, imperious anger against the apostles. So, there was a dark side to this life in the Spirit just as Jesus had told them. Opposition to the very name of Jesus! Jesus, their raison d’être!
Now, without Jesus by their side, began the learning curve of listening to the voice of the Spirit living inside them. Instruction was available – abundantly. Proper perspective was at their fingertips. Next steps were there for the following. Peace, too. Help was theirs for the listening. Old, familiar ways of acting and reacting, however, had to be silenced so that the new ‘voice’ of the Spirit could be discerned.
Hmm. Sounds very familiar! It strikes me that reality for our 1st Century heroes of the faith was no different than ours these 20 centuries later. Our ‘old man’ needs to be silenced in order that we, too, may discern the ‘voice’ of the Spirit. The assurance they clung to is the same assurance we need to cling to. Oh! the joys of a learning curve! Oh, and rest assured, Holy Spirit directions never need recalculating. Looking forward to seeing all you learning curve Masters tomorrow, 10 AM, 3 PM UK, 4 PM FR, ES. PD
