Wind & Fire

Reference

Acts 2:1-21

John Muir, around 1874, was one of America’s most fearless and worshipful explorers of the west. For decades he tramped up and down through the western extremities of North America – from the California Sierras to Alaska, he wrote stories, observed, reported, praised, and experienced. He modeled a childlike delight when it came to the outdoors and a mature reverence.

On one occasion Muir visited a friend who had a cabin, snug in the valley of the Yuba River Valley in the Sierra Mountains – a place where he could venture into the wilderness for a time and then return for a comforting cup of tea. One December day a wicked storm moved in from the Pacific – one of those storms that bent the trees as if they were blades of grass. It was for these kinds of storms this cabin was built. Cozy protection from these kinds of harsh elements.

I imagined Muir and his host all wrapped up in sheepskins, safe and secure in his tightly caulked cabin, a fire blazing to protect them from the cruel elements. But this is not all how Muir responded.

For Muir instead of retreating into the coziness of his warm cabin, pulling the door shut, throwing another log on the fire; he strode out of the cabin into the storm, climbed a high ridge, picked a giant Douglas Fir as the best perch for experiencing the color and sound, scent and motion, threw on his belt and spurs, and scrambled his way to the top, and rode out the storm, lashed by the wind, flashes of lightning across the sky, holding on for dear life, relishing the weather – taking it all in.

Eugene Peterson called this one of his favorite metaphors of the Christian faith. I love it too. Reminds me of Jesus leaving the safe confines of heaven and coming to earth in the form of the servant, laying down his life on the cross. Likewise, it too is a picture for you and me what it means to embrace the cross and following Jesus – and embracing the life of the Spirit.

I like how NT Wright puts it. “When it comes to Pentecost it’s far more important that you are out there in the wind, letting it sweep through your life, your heart, your imagination, your powers of speech, and transform you from the listless or lifeless believer into someone whose heart is on fire with the love of God.”

The invitation is to get out of the cabin, what’s known and predictable, and get into the storm. Allow it to get into us.

Ideas & Questions

We encourage you to listen to the sermon on your own, while you are driving or out on the trails, then unpack it with the people you are huddling with. Talk, confess and pray for one another.

Here are the Discussion Questions for the coming weeks:

1. Think back over your life. Where have you seen evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit? Spend time in thanksgiving and praise to God for His continued presence and work in your life. The song “My Story” by Big Daddy Weave fits this theme.

2. Recalling the story of Muir - What does ‘staying in the cabin' look like in your life? Where might God be inviting you to ‘climb the tree?’

3. What is God saying to you personally and is there something God is saying to us as a community in the following areas?
- transformation of body, mind and soul to be more like Jesus
- pursuing unity - particularly with other christians
- openness to new ways the Holy Spirit is working - are there paradigms/traditions you currently hold that could be hindering a new work of God
- control - where is God inviting me to deeper trust in Him