It’s so exciting to see the Holy Spirit come in power in this chapter. To see how He transforms Peter and the other disciples from fearful failures into brave believers! I love to imagine the ‘rushing wind’, the ‘tongues of fire’ and the languages being proclaimed in all different directions!

But it’s easy to miss the other aspects of this story that are just as vital to understanding the Spirit’s work in the church today.

The first is that the disciples were waiting in that upper room. They did not receive the Spirit in an instant after Jesus’ ascension. Instead, they were called to watch, wait and pray. Sometimes we want to rush to receive the Holy Spirit’s power, but we miss the invitation to watch, wait and pray. God comes where he is wanted… do we really want Him enough to wait for Him?

The other thing that we sometimes miss is that the Spirit’s coming results in the formation of a new community. Verses 42-47 shows us how the Spirit stirs up devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer and sharing life together. This is perhaps an even greater work of the Spirit than the tongues heard just a few moments ago. Yes, we desperately want to see the supernatural signs and wonders of the Spirit in the church today, but may it always go alongside the forming of a deeply-rooted community, devoted to Jesus and one another.

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Question:

What’s the hardest thing about watching and waiting for God to move?

What description found in v.42-47 would you like the Spirit to grow in you today?

Prayer:

Father, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to empower and build your church. Give us a desire to watch and wait for what you might be doing in us and through us today, whether big and loud or small and quiet! Amen