Each August there is the bittersweet reality of change on the horizon. Summer is half over and Fall looms in the future. School supply lists, schedules, fall sports, hayrides, changing leaves – all are part of the transition from Summer to Fall; it is inevitable. I’ve discovered that God gives us daily living parables. I look at my family and I learn so much about the heavenly Father and Son relationship. I learn of the love of God, for example, and so much more. Change however, reminds me of God’s Holy Spirit and how He works in each believer. Jesus said you cannot put new wine into old wineskins (Luke 5:37,38). The Old Covenant and the New Covenant are not the same. The law and grace are both vital but the one (law) brings the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20), and the other (grace) gives undeserved favor (Ephesians 2:8-9).
God’s Spirit is all about the present. Jesus told His disciples that it is good that He was to leave because then “The Comforter” would come (John 16:7). Soon the Disciples would be walking with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. This was not something the Disciples were used to. It would all be new to them, but it would also be beneficial.
When Pentecost happened a new work began (Acts 2). The Holy Spirit came like the sound of a mighty rushing wind and sat upon the believers like cloven tongues of fire. People were speaking in different tongues and being understood by those listening. Peter preached the gospel and 3,000 responded. This event literally ushered in a “new season”, a “new wineskin”. This movement of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was new, radical, and completely God-inspired. It has been said, “Change is hard on people.” This is true in God’s church also, but it is also very necessary.
The Holy Spirit “moved” upon the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2). The word moved means to shake or hover over. The Spirit of God is indeed what moves the believer. A good friend once said this to me: “We stand on the word of God but the Spirit moves us.” There was certainly a lot of shakin’ or movement going on at Pentecost, and there will be as the summer ends as well.
Do not fear change; embrace it. Know that if God is in it, then it’s for the best. Trust that God will see you and your family through all changes as long as you put your trust in Him. We serve a big God who created the heavens and the earth.
We are praying for your family. We love you.
