Friday's Follow-up
Versus
Acts 1:1-5
After his suffering, Jesus presented himself to the disciples and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Pondering Point
Although a time to wait and a time to proceed did not make the cut for King Solomon's time for everything list in Ecclesiastes 3, both notions are definitely seasons in life. Jesus’ disciples did not proceed with the command to make disciples until they fulfilled the command to wait for the coming Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s coming was the God-ordained precedent to carrying out the command to make disciples.
Taking our cue from this wisdom, let's consider the value and importance of waiting on the Holy Spirit before proceeding in our spiritual journeys. On the one hand, the Spirit has already been given in baptism (for many of us). On the other hand, both Peter and Paul, early apostles endowed with the Holy Spirit carried out their missions out under daily guidance and direction from the Spirit (See Acts 16:6-10 for example).
The initial giving of the Holy Spirit is necessary, but a daily dose of the Spirit calls for prayerful waiting as well. This perfectly aligns with the Spirit's role described by Jesus (John 16:12-15). We ought to seek Him out regularly to fulfill His purpose helping us live our lives in godliness.
Acts 16:6-10
Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia
6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
John 16:12-15
12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
Prayer for the Day
Holy Spirit, help us to exercise the godly work of waiting and proceeding on our spiritual journeys – waiting on Your time and acting under Your power. Doing so will enable us to glorify God both by our prayerful waiting and inspired going to the glory of God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Micro-Group
Moment
Considering living under the Holy Spirit
as part of participating in Micro-Groups
Discipleship Prescription: Knowing that Jesus said, if you love me you will obey what I command (John 14:15), we recognize that some of Jesus’ teachings are in a sense “laws” or “rules” that require personal discipline or sacrifice in one’s lifestyle of time, energy, relationships, money, and even sleep. We also believe that as disciples, we are expected not simply to follow out of obligation, but rather out of love for God and moved by His Spirit; As we follow Jesus, we seek to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:18, Romans 8:12-15) and keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Growth: As disciples of Jesus, we have lots of room for growth and can anticipate that we will have set-backs and disappointments, needing forgiveness from God, ourselves, and others. Knowing this, we commit to daily intentional growth. With the aid of self-discipline and loving (agreed-upon) accountability from others, we envision the Holy Spirit making this happen.
Conclusion: Finally, we acknowledge that our covenant of discipleship is not about the pastor, or Hope as a church, but about Jesus and His calling on one’s life. Although this may not be taught or expected at every church (be it Lutheran or otherwise), it is biblical and in accord with the will of Jesus for ME as HIS DISCIPLE (Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23).
Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus, having counted the cost of discipleship, I want to follow You and join You in Your mission of making disciples. Let Your grace win the day every day, and my spirit win the battle over my flesh as I learn to live under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. In Your name I pray. Amen.