out of nowhere
a great thunderclap of sound
and a rushing roaring wind
powering through the room
like the stormiest gale on a wave-whipped sea
swirling
deafening
threatening
pure unadulterated power
ripping through the space
and a great explosion of fire
saturating the sensesblowing apart all concepts of God
tongues of flame
raining down on us
vibrant infusions
of red, orange, gold
heavenly spotlights
homing in
on their targets
and then
silence
a long, loud silence
as the fireball
dispersed itselfand we were left with
flickering dancing candle flames
resting
on each one of us
with the gentle hypnotic beauty
of fire that danced and blazed
yet did not burn
flames that covered
but didn’t consume
and after the moment
of shock-filled fear a sense of quiet wonder
rippled through the room
and someone
Matthew I think it was began to smile
a warm
relaxed
bringing a sparkle to the eyes kind of smile
as the huge relief
of recognition
came upon him
the fire of God
he whispered it’s the fire
of God
the burning bush that does not burn
he’s done it again
he’s kept his promise
remember what John said?
he will baptise you
with firewith the Holy Spirit
and with fire
and suddenly we were laughing
dancing embracing each other
not understanding
but knowing
knowing this was him
this was the gift he’d promised
and we were touching the flickering fires
daring to hold
their flame dancing beauty
entranced
in wonder-filled moments
of joy
and recognition
and indescribable
holiness
and humility
the Spirit
was with us
and power
rippled through us with all the grace and wonder
and profound simplicity
that we had to come to expect
of the Master
and everything
changed.
