For the Israelite prophets, this day, ‘Great and dreadful’ as the prophet Joel wrote, was one that the people longed for and dreaded at the same time. The Day of the Lord symbolised a hopeful anticipation that God would explode onto the scene and destroy all of Israel’s enemies. The Lord’s anointed, the one promised, would take up the throne in Jerusalem and re-establish the Davidic covenant that there would always be a descendant of David on the throne.
At the same time, though, the dreadfulness on the Day of the Lord, was that as God would punish Israel’s enemies for their deeds, so would God unharness his discipline on Israel to clear out the idolatry that had been pervasive in separating the people from God. This was the painful promise.
Joy and dread.
But the people of Israel never expected that the Day of the Lord would appear like something else. They never expected that the Day of the Lord would start with the Lord of Hosts being crucified and raised from the dead, and then continue fifty days later as the Spirit of God was unleashed in all His power on the unsuspecting hordes that gathered in Jerusalem for a festival.
Certainly Joel didn’t expect it.
Certainly Peter couldn’t have known, and yet he uses the words of Joel to help us see the great and dreadful day of the Lord – Pentecost – as it seared the hearts and minds of all who heard the name Jesus Christ.
This Pentecost, open your hearts to the Revealing Spirit as He is poured out once again into the unsuspecting world.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Joel 2:12-16 Acts 2:17-24
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Prayer Request
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
Good Shepherd Ladies Fellowship
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON 2nd July at 12 noon. A celebration of 50 years of the fellowship. A delicious three course meal with glass of wine will be offered to guests. Special guest speaker Julie Krause from Lutheran World Service. Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall Cost: $20ph Anyone is welcome but there are limited numbers . RSVP 15th June to Ragna ph 7325 8016 or Dorothy 0403 967 943.
From the Office
Replacement of Cafe Floor
Due to issues with the cafe flooring, which in future would be expensive for the congregation to rectify, the cafe flooring will be replaced at no cost to the congregation. This will occur between the 3rd and 12th of July. During this time access to the hall and worship centre via the cafe will not be possible. The kitchen can be utilised by access through the hall.
Noticeboard
Friends of Lutheran Archives
Glen Auricht, who has lived in the Centre for most of his life and is a fluent Arunda speaker, follows with his camera the path taken by Missionary Carl Strehlow on the dash for medical help which ended with Strehlow’s death at Horseshoe Bend in 1922. Glen’s stunning images of the landscape bring to life one of the most dramatic stories in Lutheran mission history. Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday June 24th, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30pm. Gold coin donation and supper. All welcome.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
