I have been thinking about some of the numerous comings of God in the Old and New Testaments. Remember when Adam and Eve heard God coming in the garden right after they had sinned, and they felt the need to hide? (Genesis 3, 8-10) Recall when God came to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-4:17) and again to Moses with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). How about when God came to Elijah at Mt. Horeb, not in the wind, the earthquake or fire, but just in a quiet voice? (1Kings 19:11-13) Such variety in those few examples! That should not be surprising. After all, God is the Creator!
Let’s consider the comings of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Look at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6-7). The Son of God came to earth and was laid in a meager manger in a stable. In his ministry, he walked through Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. Jesus’ wonderful sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) should give us cause to be so grateful that he came to the multitudes! Once, he even came walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25)! Yet again, after Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to the apostles despite locked doors (John 20:19). Who would expect that? How wonderful when we stay unlocked and keep a lookout for God among us! When the eleven apostles came to the mountain in Galilee where Jesus was present but about to ascend into heaven, he blessed them and commissioned them to make many more disciples; he promised to be with them always (Matthew 28:16-20.) The apostles—and we—have a mission, but it comes with a reassuring promise of help!
Now, in the afterglow of the celebration of Pentecost, we can meditate on the great coming of the Holy Spirit with all the spiritual gifts, refreshment, comfort, healing, guidance, and zeal that could come only from a God who is love. We are fortified for our mission of coming and going to small and even great lengths to spread that love.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, CT. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.