We Are Not AloneSample

The Acts and the arts

The 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind explored the idea that ‘we are not alone’, that other life forms may exist in the universe. The film featured the best of both visual and music artistry. Moviegoers worldwide left cinemas convinced the notion could be true, such was the mesmerising impact of masterful filmmaking upon them.

It occurred to me that reading Acts is not unlike being moved deeply by an encounter with truly great art – whether movie-making or theatre acting; inspired music-making, poetry or prose; or painting and photography that takes your breath away. The Acts of the Apostles and the arts are similar in how they can transport us beyond ourselves.

Like when you read Acts 1 and 2, you quickly see that Pentecost was a turning point for the world and can be for us still today. You are swept off your feet by how rapidly the very real experience of grief in the disciples on account of Jesus leaving them, and anguish as they dealt with the fallout from Judas’s betrayal of Jesus, moved to their life- changing experience of the Holy Spirit.

It is high drama that should move us to the core of our beings, not unlike our experience of great art that helps us to think again about our lives, our assumed reality, or our potential contribution to the world. The difference with Acts is that it delivers an access to spiritual power that lasts. Referring to Pentecost, Jesus said, ‘And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you for ever’ (John 14:16).

Action: I want to challenge you to read Acts in one sitting. That might sound like a big ask, but it is seriously worth taking the time with a coffee in hand. Allow yourself to be engrossed by how the Holy Spirit is released into the lives of people who were either seeking something more or who were surprised by the Spirit and did not say no.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, you are the creative one, the Spirit of Jesus living in me. Help me to see your creative touch in all the world around me and not to be confident about your creativity in me. Help me to express the love and the power of God in ways that will inspire others and draw them towards you. Amen.