Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 3-019

FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

From ‘Sunrise Sunset’ (HarperCollins/Harper San Francisco), Rowland Croucher’s book of daily meditations. Feel free to use or adapt it.

It is to your advantage that I go away… If I go, I will send [the Advocate, Helper, Comforter] to you. John 16:7.

A young pastor was about to begin a ministry in a church. His predecessor told him, ‘They’re fanatical charismatics – they’re about to split the church with their craziness!’ A wiser, older pastor had other advice: ‘People filled with the Holy Spirit?’ he asked. ‘You’re lucky then. It’s much easier to put out a fire than raise the dead!’

The Holy Spirit as ‘Comforter’ sounds nice. But have you heard of the Bayeux Tapestry in France? There’s a scene in which a column of Norman soldiers is riding, and the Bishop of Bayeux rides behind them, prodding the last man with his stout stick. The caption below this scene reads: ‘Bishop Odo comforts the soldiers.’

Holy Spirit, I’m open to that sort of comforting: please fill my life again, renew my faith, empower me to serve you well, cleanse me of any sin. For the glory of Jesus. Amen.

Shalom! Rowland Croucher http://jmm.aaa.net.au