“The promise of Pentecost. The Spirit turns common folk into uncommon forces. . . . The Holy Spirit takes our tongues of flesh and renders them tongues of fire. The Holy Spirit makes communication his priority.”- Max Lucado
“Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”- Matthew 10:19-20 (ESV)
Max Lucado concludes Chapter 11 of Help is Here with his assertion that compelling communication represents the first fruit of the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit empowered and empowers Christians to declare the wonders of God in the world’s heart languages. Mighty words of proclamation!
In addition, Pastor Lucado exhorts you to become well versed in your Ebenezer. Here, Max refers not to the Charles Dickens character named Scrooge. Instead, Ebenezer denotes your scrapbook of ‘only God’ moments. Those precious moments in your life clearly orchestrated by God.
Even though God blessed the Hebrew people with deliverance from Egypt, when a problem surfaced, they quickly longed for the bad old days in Egypt. Thus, they easily forgot God’s blessings
Over time, the Ebenezer stone (‘stone of help’) served to remind the people of God’s faithfulness. Hence, a tangible reminder of what God had done for them. So, Pastor Lucado asks, what are your Ebenezer moments?
In conclusion, Max offers these words of encouragement:
“In other words, speak up. Show someone your Ebenezer stone. Do you feel ill-equipped to do so? That’s okay. You have God’s Spirit to help you. God’s plan is reduced to one strategy: ordinary folks telling the extraordinary story of Jesus with the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit . . .
Always remember by whose authority you do this work, my friend. Pray with confidence. Preach in power. Counsel as one who knows the counsel of heaven and the Counselor, the Holy Spirit.”
Today’s question: How does the Spirit turn common folk into uncommon forces? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God’s intended rescue center”
