Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”’ (v12) Acts 2:5–13
In both the Old and New Testaments, an encounter with God led to change. Here, the frightened, despondent disciples found a confidence and courage in God to describe the source of their faith.
Over the years, the Church seems slowly to have lost its confidence and courage. It tends to answer questions no-one’s asking. Very different from that first Pentecost!
Last year, facing the start of a global pandemic, navigating lockdown with its threat to our mental wellbeing, economic viability and family life, the Christian voice appeared silenced. I’m not talking of the move from in-person to virtual services or the continuance of ministries such as food banks, often, but not solely, operated by local congregations. No, I was shocked at what I perceived to be a lack of national Christian leadership.
In a time when social media offers a platform for every perspective – many with unhealthy political objectives or just ugly irresponsibility – we, Jesus’ friends, appeared to absent ourselves from the public discourse.
We have to encourage everyone that God is alive and in touch with people. To proclaim that, accept Him or reject Him, God’s Spirit can move mountains in response to the prayers of God’s people.
Related Scripture to Consider: Hab. 3; 1 Kings 19:1–18; Acts 19:1–10; Eph. 5:14–20.
An Action to Take: Be encouraged by the first Christians in Acts with the power of Jesus’ message. Be encouraged in your faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
A Prayer to Make: ‘Lord, I invite You to fill me daily with Your Spirit that I might be a change agent where I live and amongst my family, friends and work colleagues. Amen.’
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