Meditation
Acts 4:23-31
Readings
Have you ever experienced déjà vu, the uncanny feeling that you’ve previously encountered something before? You might have this sense as you read through the Acts of the Apostles. In one place, you’ll read about the disciples being filled with the Spirit, and then later on, you’ll read about them being filled with the Spirit again. And then again.
Today’s reading is a good example. Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit filled the disciples, and that they spoke the word of God “with boldness” (Acts 4:31). But wait a minute! Earlier in the same chapter, a Spirit-filled Peter was already witnessing boldly about Christ (4:8). And weren’t Peter and the other disciples all filled with the Holy Spirit back in Acts 2:4? Later in Acts, the Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and everyone who was with Peter (10:44). And again, the Spirit filled the disciples at Ephesus when Paul laid hands on them (19:6).
Evidently, being filled with the Spirit can happen more than once! If you sift through Acts and other places in Scripture, you’ll find that being filled with the Holy Spirit happens again and again. The only logical conclusion is that it’s central to the gospel message. And that’s just the point God wants to teach us: If we but ask, Jesus is willing to give us this precious gift in greater and greater depth, time and time again!
These stories show us that we need to continually drink of the Spirit, recognizing our constant need for God and not relying on our past experiences. They show us that we need to yield every area of our lives to him so that he can sanctify us and equip us to build up the body of Christ.
Don’t be afraid to ask the Spirit for more today. Don’t hesitate to seek his continual renewal and refreshment so that you can fight the good fight of faith and be a fruitful witness in a torn and suffering world. He can make all the difference!
“Holy Spirit, descend into my heart and establish in it your loving dominion. Enkindle in my tepid soul the fire of your love so that I may be wholly subject to you. Come to me, glory of the living and hope of the dying. Lead me by your grace, that I may always be pleasing to you.” (St. Augustine)
Psalm 2:1-9; John 3:1-8
Thanks be to God...Ed
