Saint James Lutheran Church, West St. Paul, MN: Audio

Pentecost is the birthday of the New Testament Church. Old Testament believers celebrated Pentecost fifty days after Passover. Today we celebrate Pentecost fifty days after Easter. Jesus promised that the Father would send the Holy Spirit – and He did! Just as the Holy Spirit hovered over the waters at the beginning of creation week, the Holy Spirit comes to gather us into the new creation, which is based on everything Jesus has done to save us. Now all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved!

As we remember the losses in our lives, God remembers them, too, and He remembers us.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples asked whether He was going to restore His kingdom. Are you wishing He had? When does that happen?

Did you realize that Pentecost is only two weeks away? Our Scripture lessons during the second half of the Easter season can help us to rejoice in the good news of the Resurrection, and at the same time prepare our hearts to celebrate the Day of Pentecost, the birthday of the New Testament Church. Today Jesus promises us “another Paraclete,” who is the Spirit of Truth. What will the Holy Spirit do for you?

Something familiar helps us when we’re uncertain. A familiar piece of music can sooth us. The smell of comfort food helps us to be calm. When times are tough, Christians turn to the familiar words of the Bible to strengthen our spirits. Today’s Gospel lesson is one of those Bible verses that help us in our context today.