An Inspiring View

During these great fifty days of Easter, we gather again to hear the risen Lord Jesus as He appears and speaks to us in no less a real way than when He appeared and spoke to the first disciples before His ascension into heaven. As Scripture says, “The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20). So we gather in reverent, holy anticipation as we hear the words of Jesus in John’s inspired account, recalling His promise given on Holy Thursday, His word concerning the promise that He would send “another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16–17). The Holy Spirit is wherever He creates and sustains faith through God’s Word. However, our Easter celebration will break forth before the world on the Day of Pentecost.

Jesus says the world cannot receive, see, or know the Spirit. Paul found this to be true in Athens as he noticed an altar dedicated “To the unknown god.” Though many in our day certainly have heard about Jesus, they do not know Him apart from faith in His word. But you know Him! Baptized into Christ, His resurrection life has given us new life, which for now is but the beginning to be stretched out into life eternal.

READINGS