The Holy Spirit fell

The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the Word

When Peter taught, their hearts were moved, their spirits stirred.

Who can deny? Who can deny the Spirit's work? Who can deny?

 

Believers were amazed to see what God had done.

So, could it be the Spirit comes for everyone? 

Who can deny? Who can deny the Spirit's work? Who can deny?

 

They spoke and praised the Lord with tongues of heaven's fire; 

Is reaching out to all the world our God's desire?

Who can deny? Who can deny the Spirit's work? Who can deny?

 

Then they were all baptized, on whom the Spirit fell.

And how our Savior's holy word did spread and swell!

Who can deny? Who can deny the Spirit's work? Who can deny?

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, April 2024, after Acts 10:44-48.

MUSIC: Tune DARWALL'S 148th, John Darwall, 1770.

 

 

This tight conclusion (although not really; see Acts 11) of an expansive story doesn't seem to invite hymn treatment, but there is an invitation for us to reflect on how we might not always recognize (or want to recognize) the Spirit's moving among us, or others around us.