Show Notes
In this third week of Epiphany, let us reflect on how we can draw upon the Holy Spirit when facing tension at work.
Nuance’s Formed for Formation is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp as he follows the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
For more on being faithful in the public square, make sure to subscribe for Nuance’s bi-weekly interviews with Christian leaders as they discuss everything from policy making to difficult conversations across worldviews at work to Christian art-creation.
Nuance’s podcasts are presented by The Collaborative, which provides diverse Christian media and collaboration services to equip industry/sector Christian leaders for effective contribution to the common good.
Learn more about The Collaborative:
Website: https://collaborativeorlando.com/
Get to know Case: https://collaborativeorlando.com/team/
Episode Transcript
Epiphany draws us to the light of Christ, which shines in the darkness and guides us on the path of righteousness. God’s Word, in all seasons of the Church and life, is our ultimate authority and guide. As we seek to live faithfully in the public square, we turn to Scripture for wisdom and direction, trusting in the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit.
A reading from the book of Acts chapter 8, verses 14-17:
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
The apostles Peter and John head to Samaria to pray for new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. These people had confessed faith in Jesus and were baptized, but something was missing. They hadn’t yet experienced the full power of the Spirit. This gap can feel familiar in our work, doesn’t it? We believe that our work matters and we want to do good, but broken systems, frustrating problems, troublesome coworkers and bosses, even our own mistakes make it hard to feel like we’re making a real difference. Our work often reflects the same sense of incompleteness, like there’s something more we’re waiting for. The good news is that God doesn’t leave us in that brokenness. Just like Peter and John prayed for the Spirit to come, we can ask God to step into the messy parts of our work.
Whether it’s tension with a coworker, a project that’s falling apart, or a deep sense that things just aren’t right, the Spirit is ready to help us. When we invite God into those moments, He doesn’t just fix the surface issues. He changes us. He gives us fresh perspective, creativity, and strength to tackle what’s in front of us, even when it feels overwhelming. And here’s the amazing part. When the Spirit shows up, even the brokenness in our work can point to something bigger. We become people who bring hope and grace and encouragement into our workplaces. Whether it’s fixing a system, healing a relationship, or simply showing kindness on a tough day, our work starts to reflect God’s bigger story of renewal. It doesn’t have to be perfect to matter. God is at work, even in the messy, incomplete places. So keep going.
Keep asking for the Spirit’s help. You’re part of something bigger than you can see.
Psalm 29:
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Let us pray. O Heavenly God, we come before you awed by your power and majesty. Your voice echoes through the heavens, commanding the waters and shaking the earth. You are the God of glory, reigning above all creation. We give you the honor, due your name and bow and worship, marveling at your splendor and strength. Lord, as your voice thunders over the seas and breaks the mighty cedars, remind us of your sovereignty over all things. In the storms of our lives, may we hear your voice bringing order and peace. You sit enthroned above the chaos and we trust in your power to sustain us. Even when everything around us feels uncertain. Grant us strength, Lord, to walk through each and every day with confidence in your care. Bless us with your peace, the deep assurance that comes from knowing you are in control. Let our lives reflect your glory and bear witness to your greatness. We rest in the truth that you, the King of glory, are with us now and forever. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3, beginning in verse 15, picking up in verse 21.
The people were waiting expectantly, and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I will come, and the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn. But he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven.
You are my son, whom I love. With you, I am well pleased.
