Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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THE POWER OF PENTECOST
Act 2:1-11

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (4)

As we meditate on the theme for the day, the Power of Pentecost, it is important to remember the role of the Holy Spirit.  In spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, the apostles gave importance on relying on the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was a guide and counselor in their lives.  As we read in this passage, speaking in various languages was a significant gift the apostles received to spread the Gospel so that all people from different backgrounds could understand.  The guidance of the Holy Spirit to the apostles was indeed a shock and surprise to those who came to witness the miracle first hand.  The diverse crowd in Jerusalem was amazed that the local Galileans were able to communicate the Gospel message in their own languages.  It was indeed something no one had ever witnessed before.
As we look at the lives of the apostles.  They had a responsibility; their responsibility is to move forward spreading the Gospel message.  Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit which will teach them all things and remind them what Christ had told them (John 14:26).  What the apostles have remembered was that even though they were to face a positive situation such as amazing the crowd with the gift of speaking in different languages, they also were called to suffer.  They have to experience the suffering in their lives, but the Holy Spirit which drives them did not discourage them by turning away, but rather, be willing to endure the sufferings.  It was a selfless attribute the Holy Spirit enabled them to do.
We as believers can use this passage as an application for our lives.  Christ has also given us the Holy Spirit as a counselor and guide for our Christian journey.  We are also taught and made aware of what God is telling us.  It is also a reminder for us of our responsibility that we have as a Christian.  We are a called out community of believers and we are sent out in the community in which God has placed us in.  Therefore we just as the apostles should be encouraged in our Christian walk and faith.  We should continue to be driven by the help and power of the Holy Spirit and be willing to submit to the will of God, and also be ready to face difficulties.  Through the difficulties, we should never be discouraged, but have that be a door for us to be encouraged to do His will for our lives.
 Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for providing me with the Holy Spirit, so that I can be guided in my spiritual journey.  Be with me as I move forward in doing Your will being driven and guided by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Thought for the Day:  God’s guidance and help that we need day to day Are given to all who believe; The Spirit has come and He is the source Of power that we can receive. — Branon


Live in Truth, Leave the Sin and Love the Spirit

Jess.  M. George, Mar Thoma Church, Chicago




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