“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians–we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16. But this is what was uttered through the Prophet Joel: 17. “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; . even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.”
Acts 2:1-18
The above scripture highlights the beginning of the ministry of the disciples. Jesus had told them to wait for Him, (the Holy Spirit.) Why was this important or even necessary ?
I believe the answer is found in how we may try to live this life today. Doing things in our strength, our own will and way, selfish, ambitious, lustful desires. These are some of the attributes of non- Spirit led life.
We read what seems to me such extraordinary encounters that took place in the lives of the disciples after they had received the Holy Spirit:
- The Coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2)
- A Miracle performed by Peter and John (Acts 3)
- The martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7)
- The Conversion of Saul/Paul (Acts 9)
- Peter raises Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9)
- Peter’s miraculous escape from prison (Acts 12)
- Paul and Barnabas’ mission (Acts 13)
- The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15)
- Paul and Barnabas separate (Acts 15)
- Paul’s travels to Asia Minor and a dramatic earthquake (Acts 16)
- Paul’s travels to Europe (Acts 19)
- Paul interrogated before Felix, Festus, Agrippa II (Acts 24-26)
- Paul shipwrecked at Malta (Acts 27-28)
- Paul reaches his final destination: Rome (Acts 28)
Over the years we have seen generations that have:
- Denied God
- Denied Jesus
- The Holy Spirit
I believe we fall in the latter, denial of the Holy Spirit. What many fail to see is how He has been instrumental, ever present from the beginning:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Gen 1:1)
We see Him ( the Holy Spirit) in Jesus birth :
Matthew 1:18, reads:
“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In Matthew 4:1 we read:
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.”
Again we read in scripture at Jesus baptism that:
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,(C) and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3: 16-17)
The Holy Spirit has always been there, leading, guiding, empowering.
His role in our lives was outlined by Jesus:
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—” ( John 14:16)
My question today is who is leading you?
- Who or what is comforting you when things go awry?
- Who or what are you relying on for your strength?
“But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these.” (Galatians 5:18-21)
As we continue to examine the life of a disciple; we see that being led by the Spirit is key. Can I encourage you if you haven’t already, to ask God for the infilling of His Spirit? If you have already, can I encourage you to evaluate if you have allowed him to lead your daily life. I believe we often have no issue with accepting God as our Saviour but have we accepted him as Lord? You see, if we accept Him as Lord that repositions us from doing things our way, in our own understanding and strength. Instead it allows Him to step in to direct, lead, empower, guide, help and strengthen us. It means, if He says, “no don’t go there ,” ” don’t say that “, “wait here”; we will not only listen but also obey.
“But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]” (Galatians 5:16)
