Acts 2

To the great amazement of the early church they saw for the first time the power of the Holy Spirit displayed in their lives. In verse four we read that after being filled with the Holy Spirit they received the ability to speak in other languages. This feat gave the disciples the ability to spread God's holy Word to those who had gathered in Jerusalem from other nations. This divine intervention not only empowered the disciples to share the Word but it displayed the might of God to both the early disciples and to those who had gathered in Jerusalem for Pentacost. At this point I have to stop and ask myself, "What task has God given me which I might question, wondering from where the ability, resources, or support will come?". "Lord, please forgive me for the doubts and disbelief I often harbor as to WHAT You can and cannot do!".

As we go farther into chapter two, we read the greatest sermon ever delivered, aside from the Sermon on the Mount. Peter, once impetuous and ashamed, now stands and boldly delivers a message that doesn't hold back any punches. He is an equal opportunity offender as he tells of the Holiness of Jesus and of His divine nature to the demise of the Jewish leaders and people. Peter brings the message to a close by stating in verse 36' "Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!" This closing statement from Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit caused the people to ask, "What will it take for us to be forgiven, what must we do?" To which Peter replied with great certainty, "Reverse your course!" Through this we again see the power of the Holy Spirit displayed as 3,000 people were saved and the church was united seeking to learn more by devoting themselves to God's teachings through the apostles. Because they submitted themselves to the teachings of the apostles and did not seek to usurp their desires on the church, God blessed the church, grew the church, and enjoyed the great fellowship with the church.

I wonder, do we come to the church each week with the same intensity and seeking heart asking questions such as: What must I do to align with God's desires? What is God asking me to do? Am I willing to submit to the Word of God, regardless of what it might cost me or ask of me?

Lessons from Chapter 2
1. When God initiates an assignment, no obstacle of man or this world can prevent His will from being accomplished!
2. Even though we offend God greatly, His forgiveness is offered to each of us and He desires to give us mighty blessings when we are submissive and seeking of Him.
3. The blessings of God are beyond our comprehension but within our grasp though submission and prayer.