A Time for Every Thing

The Season of Pentecost has begun. According to the Book of Acts, the disciples had gathered again in the upper room. Jesus had ascended in front of them all, leaving them astonished and confused. They “were constantly devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14). As usual, Peter took charge, and the disciples elected Matthias to replace Judas. Like us, sheltering from the pandemic, they were isolated, afraid, and bewildered about where to go from there. They took care of the administrative things. They prayed until they were all in one accord.

Then, on the Day of Pentecost, the heavens opened and tongues as of fire appeared on their heads, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. And nothing was ever the same again. They burst out of the upper room and began to preach, drawing a crowd in Jerusalem. The Book of Acts, and really the rest of the New Testament, tells all the things they were empowered to do.

This year has been a Pentecost like no other in my life. We have been quarantined from each other, prevented from worshiping together, and limited in so many ways. Now, almost without warning, restrictions are being removed. Are we really able to resume the lives that have been on hold for over a year? Is this the Pentecost to the pandemic?

I was reminded of this passage from Ecclesiastes. We have been through a time when it was right to stay apart and wear masks. Even more it was a time to mourn all those lost to a heartless virus. But now, we are entering a new season of Pentecost. I pray we will be wise stewards of our freedom and conscientious in our choices.

But I also hope this will be a time to laugh, dance, and embrace; a time to reach out to share the Spirit of God as we have been unable to do; a time to mend, build up, and speak out the Good News!