The Message

What was Peter counting on in his time of need? In Luke 11:13, Jesus is talking to the disciples about prayer, and as He finishes, He makes this interesting comment: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Even we who are sinful human beings know how to give good gifts to our kids—how much more our perfect heavenly Father wants to give us the Holy Spirit.

Peter knew that his Heavenly Father really wanted to give him the gift of the Holy Spirit. All Peter needed to do was ask, and so that's what he did. In Acts 1:4, Jesus commanded the disciples “not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised.” He then continued in verse 5, saying “you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Peter and the disciples, trusting that promise, stayed in a city where they experienced great danger and many challenges. Jerusalem was where Jesus was put to death, and no doubt many memories lingered in Peter's mind of his three denials in that city. Yet regardless of the dangers, Peter and the apostles clung to Jesus' promise, knowing it would be fulfilled. This is not only for the disciples, however. In Acts 2:39, Peter proclaims that all can receive the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, how do you receive this gift? Read Acts 1:13-14. Speaking of the disciples, the text says, “these all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.” So they were praying, but praying in a specific fashion, “in one accord.” In previous experiences, these twelve chosen ones had frequently quarreled among themselves, even in the presence of Jesus. But in this preparation, all 120 of the believers gathered there set aside their differences and became unified. Think of the impact of that happening in your church; the results could be incredible!

Ellen White says, “It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men….If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit….The Acts of the Apostles, p. 50.2 (EGW)

Since this is the means by which we are to receive power, why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and preach concerning it?” (AA50).

Yet prayer and unity cannot be gained by human means. Peter, in Acts 2:38, realizes this and explains it to the crowd, saying “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” You cannot be filled with yourself and the Holy Spirit at the same time. You will be filled with one or the other. In Luke 9:23, Jesus says to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him. John 14:17 says, “The world cannot receive [The Holy Spirit], because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” The Lord wants to do amazing things through you, but He has given you free choice in the matter. Ask Him to cleanse you and grant you the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then you will find your life changing in incredible ways.

Yet just what are these incredible ways? In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises the disciples: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Indeed, when promising the Spirit in John 16:13, Jesus says, “when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” This truly is fulfilled through Peter in the very next chapter. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, he spontaneously preaches to a great crowd right outside the disciples' meeting house, telling them the startling reality of their position. Peter calls on them to repent, and astounding results take place. Acts 2:41 says that three thousand souls were added to the believers in a single day! This body of believers goes on in verse 42 and 47, “continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... Praising God and having favor with all the people.” These everyday people became powerful witnesses for Christ. Through their actions, unity, and joy, they became witnesses, and “the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

If you value God's opinion over your own, He will do amazing things through you. If you let go of your fears and make room for the Holy Spirit, you can become a powerful witness for Christ. Jesus left us this amazing Gift and Helper, but the Holy Spirit can't help you if you don't let Him in. It's all up to you. All you have to do is ask.

Date: 2015-02-16; view: 624