it came
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
saturating the senses
blowing 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
dispersed itself
and 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
of shock-filled fear
a sense of quiet wonder
rippled through the room
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
he whispered
it’s the fire
of God
the burning bush that does not burn
he’s kept
his promise
with fire
with the Holy Spirit
and with fire
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
was with us
rippled through us
with all the grace and wonder
and profound simplicity
that we had to come to expect
of the Master
changed
.
