In Acts 2, we see the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise that God
will send the Holy Spirit to his people (see John 14-16). At Pentecost, God made his presence known to
this group of believers in a spectacular way!
We know that God can do anything and reveals himself to us in many
different ways but when he acts, it’s
clear that people react.
Will we seize the opportunity, as Peter did, to explain what
God is doing in our lives? Our witness
of God’s involvement in our lives through his Holy Spirit is one of our most
powerful tools. Words of truth have the
power to “cut to the heart” (v.37).
What stuck me most about this passage though is the picture
of the early church in vs. 42-47. In
particular, I am challenged by the word “devoted”. I want to hear the Word taught, to meet with
Christian friends and am grateful that we have the gift of prayer but can I say
that I am “devoted” to these things above all else? This group of new believers in Acts 2 were
totally united, both in terms of their beliefs and priorities and also on a
material level. They shared their whole
lives together, giving thanks and praise to God. This looks like an attractive way to live
from my viewpoint as a Christian. But we
also see that when Christians live lives that reflect the gospel this Christian
community attracts people from outside the church to Christ. Let us be devoted to God and to each other,
so that our example may be contagious!
(member of a homegroup)