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Guest Speaker
Charles Kiser
January 22, 2017
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Something special happens in Luke 10. Jesus has sent out seventy-two of his followers to announce the Kingdom of God, and they have returned with glowing reports. But notice verse 21 - Luke reports that "Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit." Now, wait a minute. Couldn't Luke have simply described Jesus as being thrilled? This is the only time in scripture Jesus is described this way.
I wonder if Luke uses this language because he's trying to describe something transcendent. Is this moment similar to the transfiguration? Is it similar to when Jesus was baptized and the Spirit descended? Is it transcendent like the moment in John 12 when a voice thundered from heaven? I think it is. I think Luke is describing a transcendent glimpse into the Trinity - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rejoicing together because something significant has happened which they have long been anticipating.
And what might that be? Based on how Jesus prays, and based on what he says to his followers next, I think Jesus was anticipating the day when the Holy Spirit would be poured out for all. I think he was anticipating the day when God's Kingdom work would no longer be restricted to priests and pastors. No longer would God's Kingdom work only be for kings and politicians. He was anticipating a new day when every Christ follower would be able to make an impact for the Kingdom! What a beautiful picture of the Trinity rejoicing together!
Friends, you and I are a part of this story. This morning in our class and in our worship gathering, Charles and Tod will be reflecting about how all of us can join God's mission and make a Kingdom impact.