Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Outpouring of the Spirit: Birth of the Church

Bible Reading: Acts 2:1-21 

Key Verse: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people." (Acts 2:17)
 
DEVOTION

The day of Pentecost marked the birth of the Church. Acts 2:1-21 reveals the Holy Spirit's powerful outpouring and the diverse human responses to God's power. Understanding this narrative deepens our appreciation for our spiritual heritage. Today’s reading offers us the opportunity to learn the attitudes of different characters involved.
The Disciples: They showed sincere obedience and unity, waiting eagerly as Jesus commanded. When a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came and tongues of fire appeared, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Their surrender teaches us that spiritual breakthrough often follows faithful obedience.
The God-fearing Jews: Attracted by the sound, these Jews who were visiting Jerusalem from every nation came together in bewilderment. They were utterly amazed and asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Their questions revealed genuine curiosity and a desire to comprehend the miraculous. Their openness is a reminder for us to be receptive when God acts in unexpected ways.
The Mockers: In contrast, "Some however made fun of them and said, 'They have had too much wine.'" This attitude of cynicism blinded them to God's work, highlighting a resistance to the divine.
Peter: Transformed by the Holy Spirit, Peter's attitude was one of audacious boldness. He confronted the scoffers and others with powerful preaching of the Gospel, leading about three thousand people to become believers. His conviction and clarity demonstrate the Spirit's power to equip ordinary people for extraordinary ministry. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of Your Church. We pray for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit in our lives. Help us to be obedient, expectant, and open to your leading. Give us the courage to speak about Jesus, just as Peter did. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Acts 2 provides the founding story of the Church, demonstrating how the Holy Spirit empowered believers to spread Christ's message worldwide. This narrative challenges us to examine our own attitudes and responses to God's call and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. 


Thomas Varghese, LIMTC, NY

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