Mile 7: Arrival of the Indwelling Spirit

Beloved People of God, 

Elise and I just got back from our own Emmaus road. We set out walking from our Jerusalem, like Cleopas and his companion into the unknown. And walk we did! Over the last two weeks we averaged six miles a day. Our peripatetic journey took us across the British isles. We worshiped in Westminster and Glasgow, the castle heights of Edinburgh and the cliffs of Howth. But of all the amazing places we visited, there was one spot I was particularly excited to visit in the small village of Kirkwall. And we reached it right on time. 

Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus took His disciples to a hillside near Bethany and, raising His hands, blessed them as He ascended to the Father. They watched, worshiping and amazed, as He was lifted beyond the clouds. On May 29th, Ascension Day, Elise and I arrived on Orkney Island, where in 1137, Viking Christians began building a church known as the Light of the North. It is the oldest cathedral in all of Scotland. For 900 years, followers of Jesus have gathered in this beautiful church and celebrated the ascension of our Lord.

But what do we do once Jesus, who walked with us on the road, has ascended into the heavens? What are we to do now? Like the disciples before us, we return to Jerusalem with great joy, blessing God and expectantly awaiting the promise of the Father (Luke 24.52-53; Acts 1.4). As we gather this Sunday in anticipation of Pentecost, let’s prepare our hearts for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit among us!

For His Name's Sake, 

Brett