|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jesus told his disciples, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13). I praise you today as the God who lovingly imparts the greatest gift that can be given—your precious Holy Spirit. You pour Him out on all who believe in your Son, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah for this marvelous gift! Today in Your Word Today you told me how Jesus, having received from you the promise of the Holy Spirit, poured the Spirit out on the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:33). This beautiful and dramatic event was the fulfillment of the prophecies of Joel (Joel 2:28–29), John the Baptist (Matt 3:11) and Jesus (John 14:25–26; Luke 24:49). The Spirit was active in the world from creation (cf. Gen 1:2; Jdg 14:19; 1 Sam 16:14; Ezek 11:24), but at Pentecost, he took on the role of “Helper” to Jesus’ body, the church, granting them boldness to witness. His outpouring was significant in several ways: (1) It was the fulfillment of your promise to pour out your Spirit on “all flesh” in the last days; (2) It was a sign which you said would precede the coming judgment and wrath of the “day of the Lord”; (3) It authenticated the message and ministry of the apostles and gave them power to preach the gospel in Jesus’ name; (4) It inaugurated the church, which is the union of all believers in Christ through the Spirit; (5) It was the beginning of the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that the Spirit would teach the apostles “all things” and help them remember all that he said (leading to the writing of the NT); (6) It was the first display of the spiritual gifts which are given to believers through the Spirit for the edification and building up of the church. The “tongues” the Jews heard that day were real languages, given by the Spirit for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel to the nations. This same gift was later given to other believers to edify the church, fulfill prophecy, communicate truth, authenticate the ministry of the Spirit, act as a sign to sinners, and edify the speaker. This teaches me that the Spirit’s gifts are not given for personal profit, but for encouraging and building others up in the faith. It also shows me what it means to be filled with the Spirit, for when the disciples were “filled,” they acted in accord with your will through the power of the Spirit. As Paul later said, “Do not get drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). As alcohol influences and changes a person’s behavior, so I am to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He enables me to resist the desires of the flesh and obey your will in all things (Gal 5:16). Peter’s sermon at the temple was an stirring example of how your Spirit empowered the apostles to be mighty in word and deed (Acts 3:25–26). Peter rightly pointed out that the “seed of Abraham” (Gen 22:18) was the resurrected Servant, Jesus (cf. Isa 42:1–4), and he told the Jews that the blessing which was promised to Abraham was the blessing of “turning every one of you from your wicked ways” (Acts 3:26). Jesus is the promised “seed” that will “bless” the nations of the earth by saving them from their sins. How wonderful to be united with Christ, the Seed of Abraham and the Savior of the world! Reflection Luke said the believers in Jerusalem “were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NASB). Is this true of my life? Do I devote myself to reading and studying the Scriptures? Do I fellowship with other believers? Request Father, the apostles asked you to give them boldness to speak your word in the face of threats and persecution (Acts 4:30). Grant me that power today. Help me to bravely proclaim the good news. Thanksgiving Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit! Jesus said it was to my advantage for him to leave so the Helper could come and minister to me (John 16:7). I have Jesus in my heart right now through the Spirit! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “The Comforter Has Come” – Frank Bottome. Meditation Verse: Acts 2:38–39. |