Text study on John 20: (18),19-23;
Acts (1:26); 2:1-21
Lectionary text for Pentecost, June 12, 2011
A foundational question asked of congregations and leaders today is, “Are we an Acts Chapter 1 or an Acts Chapter 2 church?” That question has been posed to me over the years.
Even though I like to believe that I respond differently than the disciples did, in truth I probably do the same thing. It is much easier to lock the doors to keep Jesus, neighbors and the neighborhood out.
The Holy Spirit at work
Jesus and the Holy Spirit complicate a congregation’s life. It is easier just to hold another meeting to cast lots on who has to be on council this year than to see and hear what the Spirit is doing.
Things go better for congregations and leaders who read these Pentecost texts and leave them be. Keep them as mythic tales of what God did in the past and do not let them encroach upon the good church “stuff” we are doing now.
As long as the Holy Spirit does not stir things up, we can keep all those uncomfortable people and things out so our congregation can stay as it has always been.
The Spirit is dangerous because it moves where it will and in whom it will (John 3) with no respect for right order, planning or structure. When we stay in Acts 1, leaders and congregations need not go beyond people who are just like us, who share the same experience and values we already have.
The doors don’t even need to be locked when we only talk to each other and keep our liturgy and activities inaccessible. Those others will get the message and stay away.
The second chapter of Acts
But Acts continues past the first chapter. The Acts 2 Pentecost texts reveal what God is doing now. Jesus shows up all the time — especially when it is inconvenient and unexpected.
As in all the resurrection accounts, we never quite recognize him, but often after the fact it clicks: “I have seen the Lord.”
Living as the church of Acts 2 and beyond, we learn quickly that the Spirit is already doing God’s work before we ever get there. Sometimes all we have to do is step back and let the Spirit be revealed.
Whether it is the proclamation of the forgiveness of sin (John 20:23) or the proclamation of the good news in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:32), the Spirit is doing its work directly and powerfully through us.
Talkback:
- Where and how do you see Jesus showing up at your congregation?
- What barriers do we put up to resist the Spirit’s work among us and beyond us?
Michael Keys is the bishop and director for evangelical mission for the Alaska Synod of the ELCA.
I see Jesus showing up in the acts of service using time and talent our adults and youth volunteer to take part in through events, special services and our normal weekly functions. We have passionate preachers and teachers. We are very blessed, but we have a long way to go.
From what I have seen growing up Lutheran, and I myself struggle with this too, we tend to fear showing too much excitement about God's message and grace. I think the "what will people think?" epidemic is a huge barrier for many Christians.
Pray pray pray! Don't fear testifying that your blessings and happiness and the overcoming of suffering and tough times is by the love and work of God. We cannot assume that everyone "just gets it".
I trust in God! I pray He gives me strength to move forward and share Him with the world....not lightly, but with courage and love. I pray He takes away my fears, replacing them with His will. AMEN!
With all due respect, it is John 20:19 where the disciples are hiding behind locked doors. That's a very different situation from Acts 1. In John 20 Jesus has just been executed and the disciples had not yet seen him risen. For good reason they hid from the Jews in fear; they could be next to be crucified.
In Acts 1 the disciples are following Jesus' command to stay in Jerusalem until the promise of the Father comes upon them (verse 4). It is not out of fear, but out of obedience, that they stayed in Jerusalem after Jesus' resurrection and before Pentecost. Their time in Jerusalem was not a time of inactivity. They vetured out to see Jesus ascend -- an event important enough to be mentioned in all three Creeds. Also they elected a replacement for Judas. Given apostolic succession/the historic episcopate, this is the equivalent of electing a bishop -- not an insignificant act. This election, as they prayed, was guided by the Holy Spirit. In fact, the entire time bwtween Easter and Pentecost was a time of prayer and fellowship (verse 14) -- very important.
I do not such a huge difference between Act 1 and Acts 2. In Acts 1 we have God ordered prayer and administration. In Acts 2 we have God commaded witness. Both are necessary. Both are pleasing to God when done at the right time and in the right way. It would have been wrong for the disciples to try and witness without the aid if the Holy Spirit; waiting was the right thing to do. How often do we rush in without waiting for the blessing and guidnace of the Spirit to disasterous results? In our human impatience we cry, "Don't just stand there, do something!' Perhaps sometimes God says to us, "Don't do just anything, be still and know that I am God."
I love this article. We tend to think that we are the ones who have control. God rules and the Spirit shows us this often. What God wants often does not make sense at the time or have any logic to it. Yet the beautiful mess will turn into the most vibrant ministry. A strong faith means the doors are open (literally, figuratively and spiritually) since nothing can separate individuals or a group from God.
I too worry about the locked doors and inaccessibility. Is our faith so weak that we cannot welcome the stranger, the one who is different, the outcast, the sinner beyond belief ( which is me)? Are we so agenda driven that we can no longer discern and wait for the Word from the Spirit? Has it become more important to argue than to love extravagantly? Are we allowing the church to transform and meet the needs of the younger generations or are we holding on to methods and ideas that worked at one time? We are called to love and to pass on the faith in a manner that the "other" will understand and accept. Not what makes us comfortable, but what lays the path so they can come and participate. Like your article states that means open doors and what is implied is also open hearts.