Daily Readings - Mon May 13 2024
Acts
1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples2and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."3So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?John's baptism," they replied.4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.7There were about twelve men in all.8Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
John
29Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.30Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."31"You believe at last!" Jesus answered.32"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. 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.