Devotion:

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Read Acts 10:27-47.

Tomorrow in our worship services, we will focus on the story of Pentecost in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit came and filled the apostles of Jesus in a miraculous way that propelled them out into the world to share God’s message. But that certainly was not the only time the Spirit did miraculous work in that book. There are many instances shared of the Holy Spirit continuing to teach and heal and guide, just like Jesus had done. I have heard it said that the book should have been titled “The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.”

This scene in Acts 10 is one of those instances. The Spirit is continuing to teach Peter lessons about “living the way of Jesus Christ and inviting all to follow him.” He had been taught all of his life to stay away from Gentiles, yet here the Spirit was leading him to the home of a Gentile and showing him that God was working in and through this man, as well as his family and friends. And Peter was not the only one whose understanding was challenged that day: (v. 45) “The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.”

The miracle of the Day of Pentecost continued to happen. More and more people were hearing and understanding the good news that God was offering through Jesus Christ. Another way to state the mission of the church is that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us so that everyone can experience the presence of God and hear God’s invitation of relationship.

Personal Worship Option:

(Offer this prayer or one in your own words) Holy Spirit, help me be open to the lessons of life you still want to teach me, so that I can help more people experience your presence and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.