Wonder and the Holy Spirit

Sunday's Text

Luke 3:1-22

Sermon Notes

For Discussion

Sunday Recap... by Elaine Pierce

We've read the first 3 chapters of Luke this past week. I've noticed a lot of wonder, marvel, and amazement in these chapters:

-Zechariah and Elizabeth's neighbors are filled with wonder at John's birth

-The shepherds are visited by angels who proclaim Jesus' birth, and everyone they tell are amazed by this story.

-Mary and Joseph marveled at what Simeon, the prophet, said about their son when they brought him to the temple as a baby.

-Everyone who heard Jesus talking to the rabbis in the temple was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

-When John was preaching in the desert, the people wondered if he was the Messiah.

Clearly, the Holy Spirit is at work.  Look at the many times Luke talk about him in these 3 chapters:

-the angel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will bear the Messiah

-Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit when she sees her cousin Mary.

-The Holy Spirit is upon Simeon when he sees Jesus in the temple.

-When John baptizes Jesus, the Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove.

I confess that my days are not filled with wonder, marvel and amazement, and that at times my relationship with the holy spirit is dry as dust. These gray Ohio winter days can be depressing, and add a pandemic.....social distancing.....missing loved ones...the upheaval in our country as we prepare for a transition of power in Washington.....

Jesus entered a world not so different from ours. Israel had been conquered and the Jews were scattered. He lived under a repressive Roman government which was not interested in peace and freedom for the Jews. And into this world, he brought wonder, marvel and amazement. No, he didn't change their circumstances. He didn't mount a government takeover. He brought the hope of eternal life, for Jews AND for gentiles. Just like he does today.  

It's a new year, and while the calendar has changed from 2020 to 2021, we are still in need of daily time with Jesus. Join me in asking the Holy Spirit to give us times of wonder, marvel and amazement - he is eager to open our eyes to his creation, his glory, and his peace.