In Acts 2 we see the Holy Spirit moving in like a whirlwind and a thunderous presence. The Holy Spirit descended on the people of Jerusalem with flames of fire and gave them all different languages so that their fellow Jewish brothers and sisters could understand the gospel in their own language. It was the greatest gathering of Jews from all around the world for Pentecost and God is showing off His power to be able to communicate truth by giving the people languages! This is an initial fulfillment of the Joel 2 prophecy. It was an encouragement and challenge for us to lean into the power of the Spirit in our lives and surrender fully to Him. We need to be more willing to surrender control and embrace the uncomfortable, then we will see more and more of the miraculous signs from God in our own lives.
We see the way the church lived with inspiration as to how we should be living out our faith with our brothers and sisters. Commonly, the church is thought of as a building, with a human leader, dress code and activity times. Western civilization church-goers look to find something that will accommodate their busy schedule with a simple checklist so that they can arrive and leave while feeling fulfilled. We push for organized programs put on by the church leadership, in an effort to shirk the responsibility of leading our families ourselves, often times because we simply don’t feel “qualified” to do so. But what if the church is actually made up of the entirety of believers? (hint: it is) It’s not an activity that we do when it fits our schedule, it is a community that we are involved in and a lifestyle through which every aspect of our lives is affected in the most beautiful ways.
We are called to live communally, and while this may not be a present day compound, it most certainly indicates the necessity of proximity and vulnerability. While there is biblical instruction to provide for your children’s children, we also see inspiration to give to others what we have. Does this mean you need to go sell your house today? Ask God. This level of obedience speaks to each individual believer’s heart posture. I pray that I am so fixated on God, that I have no doubt when He speaks to me with instruction to sacrifice worldly possession, while trusting that He will continue to provide for me. Our God is a God of provision, I have seen this played out time and time again in my own life and the lives of others.
Dear Jesus, please know the depths of my soul and stir in me desires that match your own. Allow me to give what You will have me give. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me so that I may joyfully surrender my time, gifts and talents for Your glory.