“A heart on fire for Jesus is a light for those lost and alone in a dark world.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 3, 2021
Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. Acts 18:24-26
One of the powerful evangelists of the early church was Apollos, born a Jew in Egypt, he was a brilliant intellect who knew the Hebrew Scripture and proclaimed Jesus with a fiery heart. With riveting logic and compelling confidence, Apollos taught in the Synagogues that the Messiah who was prophesied about in the past had come in the presence of Christ Jesus. Recognizing his giftedness but lacking some knowledge—Priscilla and Aquila—-more mature believers, instructed Apollos privately and more adequately in the way of God. Apollos is for us a model follower of Jesus with a fervent heart, humble spirit and a wise mind. Here’s how we can learn from him:
A Fervent Heart And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV). A heart on fire for Jesus is a light for those lost and alone in a dark world. When we are a bright light for the Lord, we bring glory to the Lord. So, how do we grow a fervent heart for God? When our affections are held captive by Christ’s love, our love fuels a fervent heart. Energy erupts when our hearts are engaged with an eternal agenda—we want God’s will as we surrender our will. He fills us with love on fire to love others! Love lights a fire of faith that attracts those outside the faith to desire truth. A fervent heart loves others well.
A Humble Spirit I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones (Isaiah 57:15, NKJV). The Lord is with those humble in heart. He is with them to forgive their sin from the confession of a contrite heart and to revive the spirit of those who feel drained from doing the right thing. Are you humble in spirit? One test is to ask yourself if you are teachable? Coachable? Are you willing to keep learning what it means to love and obey the Lord? If so, learn from mentors how to grow as a disciple of Jesus and how to apply selfless love. A humble spirit comes from understanding there is much more to know as you grow in how to become more like Jesus.
A Wise Mind A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment (Proverbs 18:1, NKJV). A wise person invites inspection from others into his life—knowing isolation only increases the probabilities of foolish decisions. Wisdom is incubated in a community of Christ followers who are loved well by being vulnerable and accountable. I do not trust myself by myself, but in the company of those I totally trust, and who thoroughly love me, I feel free to be myself. Here I learn how to be the best version of myself. Wisdom is able to discern the best and avoid mediocrity. God reveals His ways to those He can trust with truth. Wisdom used for the good of others and given away freely invites the Holy Spirit to give more.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, set on fire my fervent heart, humble my spirit and grow my heart of wisdom, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Who can mentor me in the ways of the Lord?
Related Reading
Proverbs 1:5; Isaiah 1:17; 1 Corinthians 4:16; Hebrews 4:2
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