Holy lively

While preparing for Holy Spirit Day (Pentecost or Whitsun) I made a fascinating discovery. We think of the Spirit as being full of living power. But so is holiness. The two go well together.

In Isaiah chapter 6 God reaches the prophet Isaiah with intense holy energy. He is exalted on His throne and His royal garments fill the Temple. There are fearsome beings around Him praising Him as "Holy, holy, holy" and "Almighty" and announcing that the whole earth is full of His glory. The entrances to the Temple shake and the building is filled with smoke. Isaiah cowers in terror and one of the beings touches his mouth with a burning coal! Isaiah comes to no harm. In fact good comes out of it, because his guilt is taken away and his sin dealt with. God says He will have to be just as drastic in dealing with Isaiah's people. They will have to be pruned like a tree being cut down to a stump.

Many Christians don't remember often enough that the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit. You cannot meet Him in all His righteous power without feeling small. It is only when you have that reverence for Him and for His saving work in Jesus that He can do you good.

I've now almost completed my first month as Pastor of Bethany Evangelical Church in Leigh. I rejoice in God's saving mercy and His equipping of me, and not only me but also many gifted people at the church. With a sense of encouragement and gratitude, I praise God for His holiness and faithfulness.