Transformed
Image: rajat sarki on Unsplash
Last week I conducted a wedding. It was a wonderful, joyous occasion for a few reasons…
The groom was a young man whose family have been part of our church for many years. He has two sisters, both of whom I took their weddings, so I completed the set!
The bride was from India, having moved to the UK a few years ago. She lives in Essex where she is a member of a vibrant church.
The service was a collaboration of two churches, sharing the vows, preaching, praying and worship band.
The marriage and reception was a celebration of English and Indian cultures demonstrated in what people wore, what we ate, and how people danced.
The biggest surprise of the night was seeing the groom dancing ‘Bollywood’ style! Knowing what he is like, this was unexpected and a delightful shock.
This marriage had certainly changed him, and it was a joy and revelation to see him ‘transformed’.
At one point, in the Old Testament, Israel asked God for a king and he gave them Saul. Something amazing happened to him…
“When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying. When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, ‘What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?’”
Saul was changed when he encountered God’s Holy Spirit. When God came upon him, something happened that was beyond the natural realm – it was supernatural!
The same is true today. When people encounter God, something supernatural happens, and change occurs.
Over the years I have seen this in my life, and in others in our church. It’s lovely to see people change and become more like Jesus.
God promised that His Holy Spirit will live in us, and He is the one who can transform into the person God intended us to be.
God bless you:)
Gary Bastin
Hope Community Church leader