Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 20, 2019
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:3-4 (NIV)
In the past, when I’ve read this portion of Acts 2 I have struggled to see it as anything other than complete chaos. One minute the disciples are sitting in quiet prayer and reflection, and the next each one is boldly and boisterously speaking in languages they didn’t know just moments before! Yet this isn’t a story about chaos and disruption as we might be forgiven for thinking. It’s actually the reversal of chaos!
Do you remember the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11? Due to sin, disobedience, and the quest to live by their own strength, God scatters the people and confuses their language. Acts 2 is the healing of Babel. It is a picture of people submitted to the Lord’s leading, and as a result God acts again, this time diversifying their language, not to scatter and confuse, but to make his people bold and give them the courage and power to see his Kingdom expand.
The day of Pentecost is a reminder that God seeks to break down barriers. Where we have created disorder and division, God seeks to bring understanding, unity, and mutual affection, and he does this by giving you and me the gift of the Holy Spirit. Have you faithfully tended to the work of the Spirit in your own life?
The Holy Spirit has been called the “forgotten member of the Trinity.” Why? I believe in part it is because we often have clarity on the salvation won for us in Jesus, yet struggle to see how we are empowered and emboldened right here and right now to live out our salvation with great joy and hope. As a result, we ignore and neglect the life of the Spirit that we are able to cultivate and walk in, day in and day out.
If you are a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is the power of God’s presence to sustain you day by day. The life and fire of God is available to you this very moment, and isn’t an optional add-on for the “charismatics” in our midst! The most compelling witness to Jesus is a life filled with the love and power of the Spirit.
Enter today into a place of expectant prayer, believing afresh that God wants to fill you with his Spirit and make you brave!
Prayer
Father, may we never neglect the life of the Spirit and the gifts you long to give to your people. Amen.
Application
How can you more intentionally posture yourself to receive afresh from the Holy Spirit?
Related Reading
Luke 24:49; Romans 8:5; 1 John 2:27
Post/Tweet today
The most compelling witness to Jesus is a life filled with the love and power of the Spirit. #WisdomHunters #Jesus #brave
Worship Resource
5 minute music video- Red Rocks Worship:
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
