TALK ABOUT SHOWING OFF!
- Key Verse
- And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because they were each one hearing them speak in his own language. (Acts 2:6 NAS)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
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Central Truth
Miraculous events happen all the time. God wants us to use our spiritual gifts to be part of this process, and best of all, He wants to help us do this.
Reflections
Prior to His ascent to heaven, Jesus predicted that the disciples “would be baptized by the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:5). Today’s passage details this great event, one that many consider to be the “birthday of the Church”. The coming of the Holy Spirit in dramatic fashion (wind, noise, fire, the disciples speaking in tongues) to usher in the Church parallels the baptism of Jesus as He began His ministry. In both instances, the presence of the Holy Spirit is a central theme.
That the disciples were speaking in tongues was difficult for some of the crowd present that day, just as it may present a problem for those reading this passage many years later. But certainly if God can part the Red Sea, turn water into wine or feed the multitudes with a few fish and loaves, He can enable someone to speak in a language he doesn’t know. As Reggie McNeal has noted, God likes to show off. Those present that day were from "every nation under heaven". For them to hear their native language spoken, by someone who obviously would not have known it, was an attention-grabber to say the least. Many of these individuals believed and joined the fledgling church.
The miracles we observe may not appear to be quite as dramatic as the events described in today's verses. But babies being born, relationships being healed, people we are close to accepting Christ as their Saviour - these miraculous events are right up there. And just as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit that day in Jerusalem, we can ask the Spirit to fill us and enable us. Of greatest importance, we can use our spiritual gifts to attract others to Jesus. Then we can step back and let God show off.
Discussion Questions
1. What "everyday" miracles have you observed in your life?2. What gifts do you feel the Holy Spirit has granted you?
3. Do you feel that the Holy Spirit is leading you to use these gifts to play a part in a new miracle?
Mike Heinz
January 5, 2010 08:44 AM
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Seeing God perorm miracles as you describe is such a blessing. And, having the very same spirit as described in this passage within each believer today is one of these miracles we can observe. So cool!
Chris Perkins
January 5, 2010 08:46 AM
"The miracles we observe may not appear to be quite as dramatic as the events described in today's verses. But babies being born, relationships being healed, people we are close to accepting Christ as their Saviour - these miraculous events are right up there." ~~~ Every day miracles. A wonderful observation. Thank you, Bill, for reminding us that these are just as amazing as the "dramatic" miracles of Bible.
Gary Brandenburg
January 5, 2010 09:23 AM
Good stuff Bill. Thanks for letting the Lord show off through you. By the way, I once ran a mile in 1 minute...or was it 11?
Debbie
January 5, 2010 09:34 AM
Thanks, Bill, for your encouraging message of our part to look for and be a part of God's daily miracles.
Todd Lindgren
January 5, 2010 02:11 PM
Thanks for this Bill! You made me laugh with your 2 minute run. You are so right - how often do we ignore the miracles we see in everyday life. I know the difficulty you can be faced with in your work and it encourages me to know that you are able to see and consider the miracles that are all around us at the same time.
Ronda
January 5, 2010 04:59 PM
Great message Bill, such a thoughtful message for pointing out and awakening us to everyday miracles that we may tend to overlook or fail to acknowledge as Gods working power in even the simple things in life. Thank you
Marcie Leal
January 5, 2010 06:11 PM
Bill, thank you for reminding me, as I am 12 weeks pregnant and not feeling well, that the birth of a child is a miracle and a time for God to show his glory! Encouraging as I struggle to feel well.