Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:23-31

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I feel like I’m always forgetting things. The process of recalling knowledge previously learned can become complicated at times. There’s always the problem of simple confusion. We mix up one thing for another because they’re similar, but not the same. Or it’s something that isn’t as easy to remember, like particular dates. How many people remember the exact date that something happened? Some... but not many.

Indeed, part of learning is being able to remember accurately. We drill knowledge into kids from a very young age and then count on them being able to recall what we taught for the rest of their life. The problem with this is forgetting. We forget or are unable to recall the information to mind when we need it. This is why, as a society, we’ve become so dependent on being able to look things up in a moment’s notice.

In our Gospel lesson this week, Jesus speaks about the coming of the Holy Spirit, even as we celebrate his coming on Pentecost. Of all the things that happen on Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit is the most important. However, it’s not because it’s the Holy Spirit’s turn to take center stage. Rather, this is what Jesus says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you,” John 14:26. The Holy Spirit will help us remember... Jesus. He helps us recall everything that Jesus has told us.

Indeed, we are all forgetful. Even the disciples forgot many things which Jesus had told them. But it’s not necessarily the forgetfulness that’s the problem. Rather, it’s that as sinful human beings, we sometimes want to forget what Jesus has told us. Much of so-called “Christianity” today has forgotten Jesus’ words. Many people ignore what Jesus has taught and said so that they won’t be convicted of their sin. 

This is why we must remember. It’s important that we learn Jesus’s words and commit them to memory. From this memory comes growth and maturity. On this Pentecost celebration, the Holy Spirit comes so that we may remember ALL of what Jesus has told us and done. This is why Peter stands up among those gathered on that Pentecost quotes the prophet Joel, even as he says, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Acts 2:21 (Joel 2:32). The Holy Spirit has come so that we may call upon the name of the Lord, so that we may call upon Jesus. For it’s Jesus who speaks forgiveness to us. It’s Jesus who teaches us the ways of eternal life. It’s Jesus who died on the cross for us and rose from the dead so that we may have eternal life. This is the Spirit’s work, not to focus on himself, but rather to continuously point us back to Jesus. He brings to remembrance all that Jesus has done so that we may believe in him and call upon him and be saved! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!