The Presence of God

Pentecost Sunday

June 11, 2000

East Wareham United Methodist Church, Massachusetts

Whatever happens the next few days and weeks around here, one thing is for sure: it will never be the same again. All things have to come to an end sometime. The closing of a church is a big thing. Change. Uncertainty. Parting. It is not easy for any of us. My heart has been heavy for you, even though we have accepted that it must be.

But strangely enough, I do not have a sad message this morning. I have to recognize the reality of change, yes. But today is Pentecost Sunday, and with it comes exactly, precisely the message you need, and that I need. It is a message about the reality of continuity that is greater even than the reality of any change, of life or death, for time and for eternity. A reality of continuity– reality of good that just doesn't quit, ever, ever, ever!

The situation the disciples were in, from the time the Gospel texts were taken, was a little like the East Wareham United Methodist Church right now. A little like it. Maybe a lot like it! All this we're comfortable with and used to, the comfort of this place and these few people, will not be the same very soon. I am just a small part at the end of this, but yet I feel some of wht you must be feeling.

The disciples were puzzled. Jesus had told them he was going away. There was no way this change could ever be for the better. They had Jesus right with them, right there. Change could never be as good as, let alone better. What could be better than waking up in the morning and sitting across the table with Jesus at breakfast? Now he says he is going away? Great!

Jesus promised his disciples that he would not abandon them. It would get very scary. It would seem like all was lost. But Jesus promised: I won't leave you orphans. I won't abandon you. When I go away it will only be so I can send you another Friend who will be with you night and day from then on to the end of your lives and beyond.

Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the other Friend who would be in his disciples very soul and being.

Jesus said that when this Friend came he would do two things. Both of these things were to continue the work Jesus was already doing. Both these things would bring Jesus in a very real way back into the lives of his disciples in a more intimate, personal way than they could at that time imagine. It happened on Pentecost.

When He comes, Jesus said, he will speak to this world about sin and righteousness and judgment. The truth would be revealed again and again as God's people received this Spirit. This is the promise of the reality of continuity of the Word and work of Jesus carrying on and on until he comes again in final glory. It will continue, you can count on it. Churches close. Whole denominations come and go. But the church will not close. It will not fail. We are all part of Christ's body the church. We each can and will have a place in that work until we are translated to glory. Then we can paint on larger canvasses. That is good.

But the word for us now– even better– more personal– the realty of continuity that we need:

When He comes, Jesus said, he will take your hand and lead you into all the truth there is! Jesus is not just building his church "out there" somewhere– Jesus is caring for every last individual member of his body the church. He is not allowing any one of us to get lost, to fall down between the cracks in the floorboards.

Remember, when Jesus said "I'm going away, and you know where I'm going and you know the way" the disciples were NOT sure of what was coming next. They said, "No we DON'T know where you're going. No, we DON'T know where to go from here! No, we don't know the way!"

That is when Jesus began this discourse, He said, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life." And Jesus also said, "When THE FRIEND comes, he will show you– he will lead you! Don't worry! I won't abandon you!"

WHEN HE COMES! WHEN HE COMES! WHEN! WHEN! WHEN!

THAT WAS Jesus's promise THEN. But this is NOW! Here we are facing BIG change. If we only knew when he was coming– if we knew WHEN . . .

But that is where the good news comes in! Do you know the very best part of Pentecost? It is an open secret . . .but the promise is still the same. I have never seen tongues of fire or heard the sound of mighty winds. I have never spoken in languages that foreigners could understand. But I have heard the Promise, and I have believed the promise and I do believe the promise right now!

The promise is not now WHEN HE COMES– but the promise is HE IS HERE! The Holy Spirit has been given to the church. We don't have to wait 40 days or 10 days or any specific waiting time. The disciples waited for the first outpouring until the Day of Pentecost was completely come. It was God's timing. But ever since that day the Holy Spirit has been available to God's people simply for the asking.

Yes– we need to ask according to God's will. Yes, we need to ask in the strength of Jesus' promise. Yes, we need to ask in complete agreement with who Jesus is and what Jesus is doing. But now we simply need to invite the Spirit, to welcome Him and receive this promise; HE WILL BE WITH YOU! HE WILL REMIND YOU OF WHAT JESUS HAS SAID AND DONE. HE WILL TAKE YOU BY THE HAND AND LEAD YOU INTO ALL THE TRUTH THERE IS!