Shift!

February 24, 2022

Shift!

One of our first responses to change is to convince ourselves our best days are behind us.  We are not quite so sure the Holy Spirit is ready to use us.  We are no quite so optimistic that our best moments are just around the corner. 

Rather than embrace the shift, we “hole up,” we retreat, we hesitate.  I am reminded of the disciples’ response after Jesus is executed on a cross outside of Jerusalem.  They fine a hole (someone’s home) into which to crawl. 

In John 20:19 we hear the report; “When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews…”  

The disciples hide with the windows shut and the door locked…for three days.  They are retreating in fear and uncertainty rather than advancing the Kingdom of God.  They are hesitating in the face of change rather than trusting Jesus and sharing the good news of Jesus’ love.

One of our first responses to change is to convince ourselves our best days are behind us.  The shift is not always easy.

Rather than look forward with the faith Jesus will be with them wherever they go, the disciples pull back and look back.  They find it difficult to believe the Holy Spirit is ready to use them in some familiar ways and in some new ways. 

It seems as if the death of Jesus (a very big change!) has left the disciples doubting Jesus’ presence, Jesus’ power, and Jesus’ provision.  Change has brought them to their knees in fear rather than in prayer. 

But, Jesus is faithful.  Jesus offers them the peace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.  In John 20:22 we hear that Jesus “…breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”  In the midst of change and confusion and uncertainty, we can be filled with Holy Spirit, too.   

One of our first responses to change is to convince ourselves our best days are behind us.  When we find ourselves in that mental, emotional, spiritual place, we can invite the Holy Spirit to fill us.  We can make a spiritual shift. 

Change is an opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit to fill us again.  The days behind us may have been great.  Let’s give Jesus praise and thanks for those great days. 

At the same time, the promise of our faith is that by God’s grace and the leadership of the Holy Spirit our best days are ahead of us.  Let’s give Jesus praise and thanks for the next great thing Jesus is about to do.

The disciples leave the house where they have retreated in fear.  They go out into the world to which Jesus has called them and the Holy Spirit has empowered them to announce the love of Jesus and the way to salvation.  They make the spiritual shift so they can embrace the change.

You listened as your friend told you they are facing a big change.  Maybe that change is at work, at home, or even at school.  As you listen, it is clear they have convinced themselves their best days are now behind them. 

The change your friend is facing is unwelcome and frightening.  They wonder if Jesus knows or even cares about what is happening.  Sometimes they hesitate to pray and sometimes they hesitate to worship.

Take a moment to share the story of the disciples hiding in a house because the change they were facing was too much, too hard, too frightening.  Then, tell your friend how Jesus shows up in the midst of change to breath peace into our soul and to fill us with the Holy Spirit. 

When you share this promise, your friend will find strength and courage to make the shift.  And, your friend’s heart will be filled with delight in the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug