WATCHWORD:
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:3-4
1-2 God grabbed me. God’s Spirit took me up and set me down in the middle of an open plain strewn with bones. He led me around and among them—a lot of bones! There were bones all over the plain—dry bones, bleached by the sun. 3 He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Master God, only you know that.” Ezekiel 37:1-3
Meditation:
What’s Next?
What’s next? In the 1999 TV series, West Wing, there are multiple episodes where the President, played by Martin Sheen, after hearing all the discussion on a topic, asks the question, ‘What’s next?’ which signals the end of one topic, now is the time to move on to the next. What’s next?
For the apostles, the followers of Jesus, and members of The Way, the temple is behind them. The tongues of fire and the wind is behind. What the Master had promised, the Holy Spirit, was now within them. Their brief time with Jesus on earth was over and, yes, they knew the lessons, and with the help of the Holy Spirit the memories were clear; what they have seen and heard. But, now, there on that street in Jerusalem, or there on your main street, or down the corridor, or around the corner, the question: What’s next? Where does this leave me?
That question might be on our lips, but fearfully stated. Indeed, what will be next? The remnants of pandemic are still with us in the variants, now the airways are all filled with the flames of violence, the killing of children, political unrest that defies common sense, evil. A new fear may rest with us as we worry about friends and members of our family invulnerable areas of this country. That cry may change to ‘Dear God, what is next?’
In truth, we are no different than those walking away from the temple in Jerusalem on that day of Pentecost. The promised Holy Spirit is within us. The words of Jesus echo in our hearts, ’fear not for I am with you’. But it is hard not to worry, and it is natural to be concerned for loved ones beyond the reach of our hand. That is the nature of love, after all.
The call that we are stronger together still holds true. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou are near me. And there are other calls: ‘One nation, under God, with liberty for all’, a goal we never quite reached, but now we must. What’s next? Addressing evil for what it is, and moving on to healing.
Have you ever noticed that it is much easier to do something than to trust in God? We see the activity and the violence, and mistake panic for inspiration. Can a sinner be turned into a saint? “He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?” Can a twisted life be made right? There is only one appropriate answer – O Lord God, You know”.
What’s next? For you, for me, each of us, we all have a “next”, directed by the Holy Spirit that is speaking to us. There are others to calm, others to comfort, others to pray for, others to share our faith and speak forgiveness to all. The time is now to do something and trust in God. That is what’s next for you and for me. And He says to us, empathically, ‘Be still, and Know that I am God.’ Amen.
Pray the Psalm 23, Expanded:
1-3 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. For you have provided all I need.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from and I am at peace in your hills and valleys. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through the Valley of Death, with evil and temptations all around me, I’m not afraid for you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure and Your rod, Your Holy Word, fills me with Peace. 5 You satisfy me with a six-course dinner right here in front of my enemies. In my exhaustion, You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessings. 6 Your beauty and love pursue me and settle in me every day of my life. And You prepare me for Your plan for my day and I ask, What is next, Dear Lord?
I am comforted knowing that when all the ‘Nexts’ have been accomplished, I will be back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. Amen.
