Let’s talk about June 8! Some people view the Bible as merely a collection of laws and rules. In Term 2, we have been examining the single law in the Bible that has the potential to change humanity as we know it. This all-powerful commandment is to “Love God with all your heart, and love others as you love yourself.” Jesus stated that by adhering to this one law, we would fulfil all the requirements of the Bible.
Despite the immense benefits this law would bring to our lives and the community around us, we often struggle to keep it. Most people genuinely want to love others and God without fail, but our self-centeredness often gets in the way. We all understand the consequences when the love for others is overshadowed by selfishness. The strength to uphold this one law does not reside within us; it must come from a source beyond human nature.
This brings us to June 8, last Sunday, the day when hope and power came from outside! Every year, the 50th day after Easter is called Pentecost. Pentecost is the day, 50 days after Jesus died on the cross for every self-focused life, when power from outside came to people. This power is God Himself, His Holy Spirit, coming to live within open hearts. This single source of power enables you and me to keep the one all-powerful commandment, to love God and love others. In all the Bible we only see the true design of humanity break out on Pentecost. The Book of Acts chapter 2 describes heaven on earth, a community full of ‘oneness’, ‘glad hearts’ and ‘selflessness’. Oh, if we all had the power to live this way, but with an open heart you can!
‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you;’ Acts 1:8
Peter Chase
College Chaplain • Pastoral Care
