Watch the Devotion

Based on John 14:23-27; Acts 2:1-21

“When will this happen?” “How will it happen?” “Where will it happen?”

These are the questions asked by war fighters of the Allied Forces in the months and weeks and days leading up to that day we call D-Day: The Day of Days. This is the day of the largest seaborne invasion in history, the day when more than 156,000 troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, and parachuted from the skies.

The answers to “when” and “how” and “where” were held by men like Churchill, Walter “Beetle” Smith, Montgomery, and Eisenhower. But the answer also depended upon the weather. The invasion could not take place until the time and weather were just right. It was this invasion that turned the war effort against the Third Reich into victory over the enemy.

“When will this happen?” “How will it happen?” “Where will it happen?” These were questions that may have circulated in the hearts and minds of Jesus’ friends. Just before he ascended into heaven, the commander-in-chief of the heavenly armies commissioned his disciples to go and invade the territories of the prince of this world, not with sword or spear, but with the sword of the Holy Spirit, through preaching and teaching and by baptizing. With these weapons they would conquer the hearts and minds of souls held captive by the enemy. They knew the “where”—Jerusalem. But they didn’t know the “how” or the “when.”

Jesus had said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7,8).

Just ten days later it was D-Day for the disciples—the Day of Days, the day we call Pentecost. On this day Jesus unleashed his Holy Spirit and empowered his friends to proclaim and baptize, to teach and forgive. That day changed the world forever.

And I don’t use that well-worn phrase lightly. Pentecost changed the world forever because Jesus’ commission extends to folks today, people like you and me, to go forth into battle against the forces of this dark world. We are armed with the Holy Spirit to change hearts and minds and lives by sharing with them the good news that Jesus has conquered death and grave by his resurrection from the dead.

If you’re like me, there are people you know whose lives we might describe as a “hot mess.” They have no direction and no firm path for the future, and they continue to make poor choices—not just poor choices in their civic life, but in their spiritual life.

On the other hand, you have people in your life, like I do, whose lives are great. They are in good health, successful in their vocations, and appear not to have a need or care in the world. Except they are missing Jesus and his promises. They are missing out on eternal blessings.

If you’re like me, you’ve established and maintained relationships with these people. You’ve even extended a gentle and loving invitation to “come and see the great things Jesus has done,” but with little to no positive response. And you wonder, “when” and “how” and “where” will the Holy Spirit unleash his power through me as I speak his words?

My friends, keep calm and carry on. This well-worn phrase that gained popularity some years ago was the content of a series of posters designed by the British Ministry of Information to boost morale during World War II. I believe it has bearing today.

Keep calm and carry on. Keep doing what Jesus has called you to do. Listen to his voice as you open your Bible in your homes and barracks and on your ships and boats. Listen to his voice as you attend Bible study and church with others. Listen and wait. Keep calm and carry on. Open your eyes and ears to friends and coworkers and family members, and then open your mouth to speak in love. Direct their eyes and hearts to the one who has unleashed his power on the devil, on their sin and guilt, and upon death itself. Let the Holy Spirit embark on the largest invasion in history, through you.

Leave the “when” and “how” and “where” up to your commander-in-chief, the Lord Jesus. He knows best when and how and where to change hearts. Keep calm and carry on.

Prayer:

Merciful Father, on this solemn anniversary of D-Day, we give you thanks for the courage and sacrifice of those who stormed the shores of Normandy in defense of liberty and justice. Grant rest to those who gave their lives and comfort to all who mourn. Preserve us from the evils of tyranny and war, and lead all nations to seek peace. Keep us mindful that true victory is found not in the strength of our military but in Christ crucified. We pray this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.