Empowered by the Spirit

This coming Sunday I will be honored to confirm three students. They have completed a two year program in studying the basics of the Christian faith. They have also done service to the church by being acolytes.

The Rite of Confirmation is really an affirmation of their baptism. When they were baptized, their sponsors spoke on their behalf; now, they will individualy make public profession of their faith. They will be able to do so because of the work of the Holy Spirit in each of them that was begun from the time of their baptism.

This Sunday, which is Pentecost, we acknowledge the coming of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit did not come in a whisper. Rather, on that festival day there was the rush of a mighty wind and tongues of fire appeared on the heads of those disciples. The presence of fire was a reminder of God's presence (think of the Pillar of Fire leading Israel and Moses experiencing God in the burning bush).

The Spirit came as an explosive force. The book of Acts tells us that the apostle Peter spoke on that day and 3,000 folks came to faith. The church was jump-started by the Spirit's presence.

The confirmands will be affirming the work of the Spirit in their lives by their statement of faith. They will be reminded that not only does the Holy Spirit empower them to speak boldly for Christ, but that the Spirit has laid upon them at least one gift. They have something to give to the congregation as well as to the world at large. My message on Sunday will have them see how they are empowered by the Spirit.

Can you think back to your own confirmation? Was it on Pentecost? Are we using our young people enough in the work of the church and service to the world?