Across the Pastor’s Desk by Matthew Griggs

As Easter 2017 slowly passes into history, we turn the page to Pentecost. We are not just reading about the history of the church.   We are living it and reapplying it to the situation of today. We read the Bible not just to read about the past.  We read to see our present through its vision.

Now I know that Pentecost is not our culture’s primary focus. Summer is in the air. Let me glean some examples from this season in planting and growing.  Change comes at other times of the year, but in the spring and summer they appear to bring life with new and exciting growth. Unlike the cold winds and short days of winter which go on and on in monotony, spring and summer show ever changing, vital colors. Like a farmer, we are called to enhance that growth.  The bright sun shows us the weeds and the rocks that need to be removed and the dead branches to be cut. It is hard and necessary work to bring in the harvest. Each season is different but shows consistent patterns when we are familiar with the weather, soil and nutrients needed.  Equipment change, people change and crops change, but the goal of growing a new crop stays the same.  It’s like Pentecost.

When the first Pentecost happened, many — including the disciples — had ideas that needed to affirmed and thoughts that needed to change. They studied Scripture, prayed and acted on God’s new vineyard — the church. They were happy, because God’s passion and there’s came together in a movement that changed the world and brought in an unexpected, diverse growth to the movement.  Applying Pentecost to us today, we can be participating in God’s new act in Jesus Christ. Uncertainty and some fear, new languages and new equipment but a focus on growing, pruning and multiplying the work of God.

It’s Pentecost season: Let’s grow. Let’s learn. Let’s live.

Matthew Griggs is the pastor of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church.