Anticipation

May 23, 2010

Day of Pentecost (C)

Romans 8:14-17

Since my son-in-law first ate there, I've been hearing about Fogo De Chao. Fogo is an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steak house. Patrons turn their coasters to the green side and waiters almost instantly surround the table with succulent cuts of sirloin, filet mignon, rib eye, chicken, pork loin and/or lamb chops. You can eat all you can endure. So, the anticipation nearly was unbearable; the expectations ran high; and we were not disappointed. In fact if anything, it was indescribably better than I ever could have imagined.

Pentecost had that feel of anticipation. About 120 disciples lived for seven weeks wondering what was next. Three days after the worst day of their lives, their hopes were rekindled. Jesus was alive. He came and ate with them. He continued to talk with them. Then, He left again. As He was leaving, He promised one would come in His place. Then for 10 days, they waited, anticipating what might come and what the results might be.

On the day of Pentecost, they had a remarkable experience that would change their lives forever. The Holy Spirit showed up empowering them to preach Jesus, and 3,000 experienced Him for themselves. The Spirit has been providing remarkable experiences ever since.

Because the Spirit of God comes to dwell in us, we can expect some very specific results.

I. We receive a new identity; we become sons of God (vv. 14-15).

The island in the Smith kitchen was a…a…a…actually, no one is quite sure what it was. Mrs. Smith found it in a used furniture store, removed the wheels and painted it. Mr. Smith added some decorative trim and a new counter top. Voilá—a relic was re-purposed, given a new identity and became a useful kitchen island.

That's us—repurposed. Before the Spirit of God enters the picture, we are dead, lifeless, useless, fallen human beings. The Holy Spirit enters our lives and begins to lead us; then we are alive and filled with purpose. We've received a new identity; no longer "sons of Adam," we are now "sons of God."

God is no longer foreign, distant or removed. We stand in awe, not cowering in fear. Because God's Spirit resides in us, we can have peace with God.

II. We experience a new relationship. God is now Father (v. 16).

An elderly man told Dr. Fred Craddock (seminary preaching professor and author) the following story:

"See that mountain over there" (pointing out the restaurant window)? Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up. Every place he went, he was asked the same question, ‘Hey, Boy, who's your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, ‘Who's your daddy?'