Praise the LORD!

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On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the day when Jesus first poured out his Spirit on the church,

empowering believers to be his witnesses across the globe.

When Jesus’ disciples gathered together in prayer, the Holy Spirit came upon them

and empowered them to become true disciples and faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ.

They were changed. They were no longer afraid of religious leaders or even Roman soldiers.

They were not afraid to die because of Jesus.

They gathered together every day, worshiped and prayed together daily, and shared bread and wine whenever they met,

remembering what Jesus had done for them and what he had taught them.

Remember the table that Joseph set before his brothers.

Joseph had many reasons not to forgive his brothers. He could have decided to find them later and take revenge on them.

But look at his confession: “It was not you, but God.” (Genesis 45:8)

Who can truly forgive? Only those who have faith in God, who is in control, can forgive.

Only those who try to see every situation through God’s eyes, and who trust that God can bring good even out of disaster,

can prepare a table of reconciliation.  

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Who can come to the table? If you have fear within you, you cannot come joyfully to the table.

Only those who are free from fear can come to the table that God has set before them.

After God dealt with bitterness, guilt, and fear Joseph’s brothers had, they could join the table with Joseph joyfully.

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Who makes this possible? It’s the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of unity (Ephesians 4:3).

One of the works of the Holy Spirit is to bring us together in love in Christ.

The table Joseph prepared for his brothers was the gift of the Holy Spirit.

It was the invitation of the Table of forgiveness, love, and unity.

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Through Jesus Christ and also by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can join his table.

Let us hear Jesus’ voice; come and join me. And we also call others; come and join us. 

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