What Is The Process?

Reference: Acts 10:44-47 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47 "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"

Observation: Isn’t it interesting how God acts in such a mixed up way here. We expect that people will first pray the sinner’s prayer, get baptized in water and then be available for spirit baptizism. Here we see no indication that these people had yet to pray (although they probably had come to conversion in their minds) and the Holy Spirit comes on them and they begin to speak in tongues. Peter wisely notes that they must be saved if the Spirit falls on them and so directs that they should be water baptized.

This episode just points out that God’s work in people’s lives is God’s work. It may not go according to the plan or sequence that we have for them. Our job is to be open to what God is up to and cooperate with that.

As was noted yesterday, our further job is to accept and reach out to anyone who desires to come closer to God and to assist them in getting there.

Application/Confession: I find myself wanting to set out a path for each person to follow in their spiritual development. God is constantly reminding me that He is responsible for their next steps forward and my job is to put in my piece when God brings them my way and the person is ready for it. He will develop them and I can trust Him in that.

PRAYER: Lord, you have promised to guide us, by your Holy Spirit, into all truth. Help me to trust You in that process in my life and in others. Remind me that, ultimately, you are the one growing them up, not me.