Daily Readings - Mon May 13 2024
Acts
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.7And all the men were about twelve.8And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
John
29His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.30Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.31Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; 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.