Theological reflection when there is little hope for change

As I hear about troubled organizations, people ask, how will reform come? The theological answer is the Spirit. Perhaps it is the breath whisper of the fluttering of a sheet as in Acts 10:11. Or perhaps it is like the gusts of wind of a storm that cause shipwreck in Acts 27:15.

I'm specifically thinking of people dismayed because they have little power. The Christian claim that there is a need for the Spirit to work is not surrender to passivity. God's people continue to act. But they also ask for and look for the Spirit's quiet or drastic intervention.

As the Spirit moves, the hardened heart of the powerful gate-keeper is awoken to exclaim "I see now that I was wrong!" and the chained outsider is welcomed and freed.

Originally tweeted by Andy Rowell (@AndyRowell) on December 25, 2021.