I'm just a little feather on the breath of a big God.
(Also makes me happy 'cause Hildegard of Bingen first said it and I just studied her in my Music Literature class. Yay for studying without trying!)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4)
"A sound like the blowing of a violent wind", huh? Sounds like a completely terrifying place for a little feather. How can a little feather do anything to resist a "violent wind".
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. (Acts 2:14)
Peter stood up?!? In Luke 24, it says that the disciples were "startled and frightened" to see the risen Jesus! What's this Peter guy doing?!? How could he ever have that much courage to speak?!?
There's no way possible... Unless he's a little feather too. A little feather on the breath of God.
(Here is where you go read verses 15-36, 'cause they're awesome. But I shall not post, because I want to get on to verse 37...)
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)
Woah. I mean, this Peter guy just made these guys think. Was it that good of a sermon? *reads again* What's his secret?
Oh wait, that's right... Peter's just a little feather on the breath of a big God. This isn't about Peter. Peter's words did nothing. The Spirit's words did everything.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-29)
We will receive the Holy Spirit? We will be filled with the power of God? We shall be swept along with the rushing wind? Could the power that raised Jesus from the dead... the power that brought Peter to courage... Could that be in me?
*dances with joy because God*
I'm a little feather on the breath of God, and God's been changing me. A lot. I don't recognize myself sometimes. I feel like a different person.
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. (John 3:5-8)
Spirit, blow your violent wind through my campus, through my town, and through my world! Sweep us up to do your will, to dance like little feathers on the breath of God. May everyone see the glorious works of your hands in our lives. May we experience revival!
Blow, oh violent wind! This little feather is ready!
