Friday 31 January, 2020

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[a] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

This is a significant passage in the bible, as it describes some of the events that took place on the Day of Pentecost. I can’t imagine what it would have been like for the Jews from various language groups, to experience the apostles exclaiming the goodness of God in languages they understood. The Jews questioned, “How can this be?”, which reinforces their amazement to what was taking place. This event shows the miraculous power of God, and is a reminder that He is not limited by human means to reveal Himself.

From this, I am encouraged by the faithfulness and willingness of the believers to allow God’s Holy Spirit to fill them in such a way. In that moment the Word of God was spread completely by the power of the Spirit, and was all about Him not the vessels. This prompts me to look at the way I am sharing the gospel with those around me. Am I doing it in my own strength, or do I invite the Holy Spirit to fill me so that God can be 100% glorified? I think we can have confidence that we are walking filled with the Holy Spirit, when the people around us ask, “How can this be?” when God is revealed to them.

God, Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that You would help me to have a willing heart to allow You to fill me and use me to declare Your goodness. I ask that You would fill me afresh with Your Spirit as I enter all that You have for me today. In Jesus’ name.

Written by Ps. Laura Samperi