02-16-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

February 16, 2020

Scripture: John 14:26

The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.

Thought for the Day: Interesting, John’s Gospel tells us how the Holy Spirit will teach us “everything” we need. Now I believe the Spirit works in a multitude of ways, but it appears that most Christians would place the Spirit’s educational activity further down the list. We tend to want something much more tangible, something we can hold in our hands or see with our eyes. Plus, a lot of folks over the years have suggested some pretty outlandish and self-serving ideas that supposedly came from the Spirit. How do we “test” the Spirit? In 1st John, there is a discussion regarding the examination of the Spirit, and the author suggests how the Spirit will Homologeo (the Greek word = together + speak/word) with Jesus. It won’t be perfect, but if what the Spirit is attempting to teach does not align or agree with the Jesus of the Gospels, then pausing and reconsidering might be in order. Take a handful of stories from the life of Jesus, include his interactions with the marginalized and the sick, his attitudes of abundance and mercy, and then ask: Does my perception of the Spirit’s teaching align with those stories?

Prayer: Continue to speak fresh and transformative words, O God, as there are new ideas emerging about life, faith and the Gospel. Amen.

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