Recently I spent some time on the Chesapeake Bay, sailing. As far as I am concerned there is no greater thrill than cruising across the water with full sails up and no motor running. I like to feel the wind in my face, the sails flapping in the breeze, the water splashing against the hull. What I like best is the absolute reliance on nature to move us along instead of listening to the roar of an engine. I am always amazed at the immense power of the wind as it takes us from place to place. I guess I am a bit of a purest, when it comes to boating. But I like nothing better than sailing 25 or 30 miles in an afternoon and never having to use a drop of gasoline.
The wind is mysterious. It can change directions without warning, increase in intensity or simply disappear. You know its out there. Harnessing it is the key. Wouldn’t it be great if you could just turn it on and off like a faucet and control its velocity? It can be managed to a certain extent, but it can overpower us, like in a tornado or hurricane. The wind is a power we have to treat with absolute respect.
Just as the wind must be treated with respect, so too must the power of God. It is a power we have to adapt to.. A power that requires course corrections and adjustments. What has worked in the 20th century won’t necessarily work in the next. We will have to go with the flow. Our success will depend on our ability to communicate and build relationships. This shouldn’t surprise us since these are essential for harmony among families, communities and nations.
On the day of Pentecost the disciples weren’t sailing on the ocean. They were together in a house shortly after Jesus had ascended to heaven. "And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind." It was power from on high. It was God breathing pure energy into their midst. This new energy motivated them to relate to complete strangers. It enabled them to cross across cultures creating understanding and peace.
I believe that what they were given is the power of communication and the ability to build relationships. These were two essential skills that would be needed to continue the work of Jesus’ ministry; to build the church and to preach the word. Jesus told them before his ascension that "they would receive power and be his witnesses, to the end of the earth," and on the day of Pentecost it happened.
In the Chesapeake Bay there is a bridge that connects the Western shore with the Eastern shore. On weekends thousands of people drive to the coast. The Bay Bridge is their only link. As cars and trucks pass over it, ships pass under it. The bridge is so vast that it allows traffic in four directions. One way to understand the full meaning of Pentecost is to be like the Bay Bridge. God wants us to do everything in our power to be building bridges with others. To be filled with the Spirit of God is to be connecting cultures, people and lives. It is a spirit that enables us to meet people half way and cross over the barriers in life that separate us.
I was in a little country church this past week for a memorial service. It was a warm and balmy day. There wasn’t any air conditioning. Nevertheless, I was impressed with the quality of their sound system. The church was in a very small town with three other churches. Their facility was limited. But, they understand the importance of communication. They have a grasp another essential element of being in ministry.
Pentecost is the day we celebrate the birth of the church, how it came to be and its primary purpose. But it isn’t just superior technology that will spread the gospel. It is people, filled with faith , hope and love. People who are dedicated to spread the gospel and share their faith.
At the first Pentecost there was a high degree of expectation. When the wind came it must have been a thrilling experience. I remember my first trip to the Chesapeake Bay. We were on our way to Annapolis. The winds were moderate and we hadn’t been making very good time. When we got within about a half mile of the Bay bridge, the winds picked up, over 20 knots, which is a good strong wind for sailing. I was excited and I kept calling out the wind velocity to my friend at the helm. The boat listed and cut through the waters like a knife through butter. It stayed strong as we passed under the bridge. It was like a power that came from nowhere.
After we reached our destination and tied up we talked about our great sailing adventure under the bridge. It was actually a little dangerous, with swirling waters and ships and boats going in all directions. For a little while the winds had cooperated and moved us along at record speed.
Sometimes the power of God forces the church to sail in rough water. Our friends at our neighbor church in Plattsville have merged with a small church in Piqua. Suddenly there are strangers in their midst. For those who have been there a long time it may seem like things are out of control. It was a similar thrill that happened on Pentecost for the early disciples. The wind came out of no where giving them the push they needed to begin their evangelistic endeavors, spreading the word and building the church. They would be meeting strangers, going to new places and mixing with different cultures and traditions.
Recently I met with our Christian Education Committee. Almost everyone there are new to the church. They have fresh ideas and a vision for the future of our Sunday School. What impressed me the most was there dedication and zeal to help our program grow and enhance the lives of our children. Every once in a while, God breathes power into our midst in ways we don’t understand. When that happens we have to respond and adapt. It may mean making a few changes or taking some risks. Only God can control the wind. We can, however live with the expectation that Holy Spirit can stir us up at any moment. And in the meantime, we can follow the example of the first church, being good communicators and building bridges with people everywhere. It is both our mission and our only hope. And maybe now and then, something marvelous will happen.
Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio