Hey fabulous friends! Welcome back! Today, we're diving into the daily devotional, sharing a quick uplifting thought to brighten your day. Take a moment to read the verses below in your preferred Bible translation. Notice what stands out to you as you read:
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see or know Him. But you know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you."
"On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in one place. Suddenly, a sound like a violent wind came from heaven and filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
The Gospel of John begins with the profound truth that the Word of God became flesh and lived among us. This theme is central to the Christian tradition—God with us. Emmanuel. It’s not a distant, abstract concept; it’s deeply embodied.
Later in John, Jesus assures His followers that although He will no longer be physically present, the Spirit of truth—God’s Spirit—will dwell within them. This Spirit is not an external force but an indwelling presence.
In the Acts of the Apostles, the story of Pentecost vividly illustrates the Holy Spirit’s arrival, filling everyone gathered and empowering them to speak in diverse languages—a powerful manifestation of God’s presence.
While John’s Gospel begins with God becoming flesh in Jesus, it concludes with Jesus promising the Spirit will dwell in each of us. Acts then portrays the fulfillment of this promise in a dramatic way.
God isn’t merely in heaven but was present on Earth through Jesus and continues to dwell within each of us. This profound truth transforms everything.
Jesus, a humble figure—far from the powerful and militant image of the expected Son of God—was an unlikely choice for divine sonship. His followers faced accusations of insurrection, similar to the charges against modern-day protesters.
Following Jesus meant being an outsider, not due to selfish refusals or faux martyrdom but because of a radical embrace of love, hospitality, and grace—qualities that set early Christians apart as outlaws.
Queer people, too, have a history of being outsiders. For much of modern history, our existence was illegal, and in many places, it still is. Yet, we gather—gender nonconformists, LGBTQ+ individuals, and allies—in spaces of celebration and community. These gatherings echo the early Christian assemblies at Pentecost, vibrant with divine presence.
In moments of joy and connection—like at a queer club—one might glimpse the Holy Spirit.
Where might you find God that you haven’t noticed before?
Reflection Questions:
In what unexpected places have you encountered the divine?
Where else might God be present that you have overlooked?
How does it change your perspective to realize that God is not just "out there" but within each of us?
Practical Exercises:
Explore a spiritual practice to connect with the divine presence within you. Find inspiration and instructions at queertheology.com/spiritual-practices.
Visit a queer-friendly space, like a cafe, club, or bookstore, and observe how the Holy Spirit might be present there.
Be present for someone in need—offer your physical presence and support.
That wraps up today's devotional session! I trust this message has infused your day with positivity. If it connected with you, please show your support by liking this video and subscribing for more inspiring content. Thank you for being here today, and always celebrate your individuality! Stay well and keep a positive outlook until next time!
Footnotes:
Source: Kearns, S., & Murphy, B. (2020). "Queers the Word" - (Adapted for reflection of The Word Became Flesh). Scripture: John 1:14
Image Title: "Pentecostal Radiance" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.
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