“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” -Acts 2:3
The sequel to “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins hits theaters this weekend. Some, who have already seen it, call it epic and amazing. I’ve read the books and the tension and suspense within this story is truly heart pounding. Without including any spoilers for movie goers, just know that Katnis Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are once again thrust into the famous, yet brutal “hunger games” because President Snow fears that a revolution is at hand if these two champions continue to live.
Readers of the trilogy and critics alike have proclaimed this to be the new standard of fiction literature for young readers. Though the themes are dark there is an underlying message of hope, resurrection and love.
The first to catch fire:
The disciples were unsure of what to do next, and so they prayed. They prayed for the Lord to guide them. They had witnessed His brutal death on the cross. They had witnessed his marvelous resurrection and frequent appearances after his return. But they had also been heart broken when they had witnessed his ascension into heaven. He was no longer physically with them. At times they felt alone and unsure of what to do next…and so they prayed. They prayed in earnest. They prayed out of desperation and uncertainty. But they also prayed with sincere and utter faith.
Then, something remarkable took place. On the day of Pentecost, a religious holiday which invited religious travelers from all over the world to Jerusalem, fire broke out. Not a literal fire with flame and smoke and destruction, but an unquenchable fire of the Holy Spirit. The disciples had prayed to God for what would happen next and when it came, it changed the world.
Those who gathered to witness this amazing event were awe struck that simple fishermen and blue collared workers could speak foreign languages that they neither knew or had the resources to learn before. But the most astounding thing wasn’t the languages but the message that was being preached. It was a simulcast message declaring this good news of Messiah!
The disciples may have witnessed the Holy Spirit descend upon them like tongues of fire upon their heads, but it hadn’t stopped just at their heads, but it penetrated the very fibers of their hearts and minds! God was speaking to the world so that the world would finally hear the truth and the life! Simple men were chosen to be His conduit, his chosen prophets of a new age. Fire spread that day…and people were catching it! Jesus may have left them physically, but within their hearts God’s very breath by way of the Holy Spirit, ignited a revolution unparalleled by any other revolution know to humankind.
We can also catch fire:
This flame has not died. This fire of the Holy Spirit will not be quenched. But God is still seeking Soldiers of His army who are willing to step up and fight in this spiritual battle! Isaiah 54:17 say, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” Our God will show up to those who are earnestly seeking! He will bring the fire to engulf us, purify us and prepare us to declare His divine and holy message! Are you ready to catch fire?
Pastor's Ponderings 