Day 8 of the Great 50 Days: First Things First
Monday
Adapted from Psalm 127.1 and Acts 2. Dearest Jesus, The psalmist warned “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.” At The Feast of Pentecost the Apostles were all huddled in one place. You spoke to them in many tongues, the wind was strong and the people were confused. When Peter explained the details of Your resurrection and what all of Your miracles meant, one apostle asked, “What do we do now?” Peter told them to “Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—it is intended for everyone near and far. Everyone is included.” Amen.
After the crucifixion and the resurrection, the followers of Jesus were still filled with fear. They had expected a more sensational victory from Jesus. They thought the tables would be turned and Jesus would help them be strong and powerful by the world’s standards. Instead, they were huddled into a room together—the number used is about 120—asking, “What’s next?” Not only are they frightened, they are being told: “Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and share it with everyone!”
This was a tremendously humbling experience for the followers of Jesus. They were not being told they were wonderful for sticking by him—they were not called out as special—rather they were being told to gather strength from the Holy Spirit. Humility is the guiding principle. God is in charge. They are not. No one of them is greater than the other. God loves them, and God wants them to bring God’s love on earth as in heaven to all the ends of the earth. How humbling and awesome is that?
In a world where people constantly seek rewards for what they do, how can we embrace humility?
What does it mean to love as God loves us?
Prayer Recap: Dear Jesus, When the gift of Your Holy Spir
it indwells in us, we are humbled and blessed and able to do all things without any need for reward. Amen.