HOLY SPIRIT DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS
#6 of 7 devotions in Salvation series
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”
Ten year-old Jeremy interrupted his friend, Brad, at the swimming pool, “Hey did you get invited to Trevor’s Birthday Party?”
“No. We had a fight at the end of school.”
“Too bad. It’s going to be held at the “Paint Ball Zone” next week.”
While Brad may miss this fun birthday celebration, he’ll get over it. But Peter was speaking to the Jews in Israel, who missed Jesus’ message. They had him crucified. They didn’t hear that God raised Jesus back to life. They missed His 40 days of resurrected-body ministry. They just learned that He ascended to the Father in heaven, where He reigns as Lord.
They “were cut to the heart” about this and asked Peter what they could do (Acts 2:37).
The opening Scripture was Peter’s reply to them. He added in verse 40, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Acts 2:41 says that people did repent and get baptized! “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their numbers that day.”
We learned about this water baptism, but in Acts 1:4, Jesus promises His disciples another gift. “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized you with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Believers in Christ expect divine interruptions in their lives—nudges from the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 says that Jesus also told us: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” He nudges us to confess sin, to pray for a friend who’s in trouble, or urge us to share the Good News about Jesus with someone.
Take Home Nugget
The indwelling Holy Spirit makes our bodies His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). He comforts and guides us. Are you familiar with His interruptions? When the Holy Spirit nudges a believer, it’s best to do what He’s urging right away. We can trust Him to faithfully interrupt us BEFORE we make a mistake. Romans 8:16 confirms, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Holy Spirit, help us hear
Your still small voice.
Interruptions soft and clear
Guide us to make the proper choice.
J.D. Griffith
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Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
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