Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Ben Fletcher
In this text, we find a beautiful and dramatic depiction of the initial rumblings from the birth of the early Christian church. The apostles are remaining faithful in their bold claims of the resurrection and beginning to gain a following that would soon give birth to a mass movement that changes the future of human civilization! We find the apostles Peter and John, two uneducated and otherwise “nobodies,” converting five thousand people on the very steps of the temple and furthermore confounding the prominent and educated religious officials of the day. To me, this all sounds nothing short of miraculous - not to mention the healing that had just been performed. It is no wonder that the institution would have its problems with such a power shift. Too often, movements of the Holy Spirit are met with resistance, fear, and the intention to subdue.
I love this story. It is a classic depiction of the Holy Spirit presenting herself on the side of the underdog, the unimportant, and the unsuspected. But should we be surprised? Time and time again throughout Scripture, we find the Holy Spirit moving in unsuspecting ways. At this point in our Christian lineage, we should learn to expect the unexpected.
I invite you to ask yourself today where the Holy Spirit might unexpectedly be moving you. Maybe you are like Peter and John, called to proclaim boldly in the face of adversity. Or maybe you are like the religious establishment, resisting the direction of the Holy Spirit because it flows against your current understanding. Regardless of where you find yourself in this narrative, may your awareness of the Holy Spirit be broadened so that you can continue to live and share in the love of Christ.
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
