Introduction
The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.
This is the eighth of a series of weekly meditations with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him.
Susan Hansen, a member of the Spirit Driven Task Force Steering Committee, wrote this meditation.
Scripture
“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’” —John 20: 21–23
Meditation
Some time ago, I came across the following quotation: “Although they are only breath, my words are immortal.” I gave pause to consider that the very words I might speak to my son might become my legacy that he leaves to his children and grandchildren. I made a point to be more mindful of the thoughts and words I chose to speak to my son.
In the passage from John, we learn of a very profound communication between God’s Incarnate Word and his disciples. Jesus breathes his Holy Spirit into his disciples and sends them into the world to speak God’s eternal message. Much is revealed in Jesus’s heavenly name of the Word. It is a reminder to us of that God intends communication to be for his divine purpose.
Through the Holy Spirit we are privileged to commune (communicate) with God. He reveals his eternal purpose to us personally and we are charged with sharing God’s divine peace and reconciliation with others.
Are our words to one another spoken in God’s love and grace?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, please let your love and glory be revealed in our words and conversations with others. Amen.