Kingdom Building

October 22, 2019

Scripture Reading: Joel 2:23-32

Then afterwards
   I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
   your old men shall dream dreams,
   and your young men shall see visions.
Even on the male and female slaves,
   in those days, I will pour out my spirit. –Joel 2:28-29

The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ John 3:8

It was chilly when I exited my car and walked across the parking lot to the church entrance on Sunday. When I exited the same door following worship the sun was shining brightly and a gentle breeze was blowing. Walking home instead of driving was tempting. In Oklahoma, the only weather constant is change. Thus, I understand well why John used the metaphor of wind when describing the Spirit of God. For the spirit to pour out on all flesh, it must be malleable as a cloud and strong as a hurricane at any time, at the same time—tough assignment.

Our part in the workings of the Spirit is faith that God is with us and God wants the best for us as we strive to work toward the best for all God’s children in our world today and in the future. I do rejoice in a personal relationship with God and I know deep in my heart that that relationship is synergistic, creating a response greater than the sum of its parts, when it is shared among all people.

I cannot imagine the cacophony of chaos, God experiences when God’s children are caught up in divisiveness and power struggles. Our scripture from Joel quoted above suggests that the Spirit even in our dreams suggest alternatives for better living in the future, if we are willing to open ourselves to letting go of the ways of the world and following the dreams and visions of God.

Prayer: Holy One, cleanse us of all that is holding us back from being the light of the world you challenged us to be. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.