Daily Readings - Mon May 13 2024
Acts
1And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.2And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."3And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism."4And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus."5On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.7There were about twelve men in all.8And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
John
29His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!30Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God."31Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?32Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the assurance of God's presence amidst life's challenges. In Acts 19:1-8, Paul encounters disciples in Ephesus who, though baptized by John, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus, lays hands on them, and the Holy Spirit descends, empowering them to speak in tongues and prophesy. This passage highlights the Holy Spirit's role in completing the initiation into the Christian life, enabling believers to live a Spirit-filled life. Paul then spends three months teaching in the synagogue, demonstrating the Spirit's empowerment for bold witness and teaching.
In John 16:29-33, Jesus reassures His disciples as He prepares them for His departure. He acknowledges their growing faith and warns them of impending scattering, but assures them He is never alone because the Father is with Him. Jesus offers these words so that His disciples may have peace in Him, despite the world's tribulations. He encourages confidence, for He has overcome the world. This passage emphasizes trust in God's presence and the peace that comes from the Holy Spirit.
Both readings relate through the theme of the Holy Spirit. In Acts, the Spirit is the gift that equips believers for mission and witness. In John, the Spirit is the source of peace and confidence amidst challenges. Together, they remind us that the Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual life and empowerment. As we navigate life's difficulties, we are to trust in the Spirit's presence and power, seeking to be filled anew each day. Let us, like the disciples in Ephesus, be open to the fullness of the Spirit, and like Jesus' disciples, find peace and confidence in the Spirit's empowerment, knowing that God has overcome the world.