October 12, 2019: SOAP #3600:  Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 1:4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Observation:   Luke begins the book of Acts where he ended the book of Luke.  Jesus leaving earth to return to the Father in heaven was not the end of God’s work with people.  The word “sent” is used many times referring to Jesus; most of the time it is Jesus speaking about himself.  He was leaving, but another was to be “sent” in His place—The Holy Spirit!  The REPLACEMENT was coming!  God’s plan in dealing with man was continuing.

Jesus was not being replaced because he had failed in some way.  It was His success that required the replacement.  Jesus had wonderfully succeeded in becoming the perfect sinless man who died in payment for man’s sins.  He who had taken on limitations as a man was returning to the Father’s throne.  One without the limitations of being a man could be omnipresent and dwell within each believer!   And through the ministry of the Holy Spirit we can enjoy the presence of both the Father and the Son!  Hallelujah!

Application:   I must be open to the Holy Spirit as the early disciples were to Jesus.   My relationship with the Holy Spirit, who dwells within me, is closer that the relationship of the early disciples to Jesus, who walked among them.  I can talk to the Holy Spirit as the early disciples talked to Jesus.  Jesus died on the cross to make this relationship possible.  It would be a shame to miss it!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, the Father knew what I would need if I was to live a life like Jesus—if I was going to be a fruitful, joy-filled Christian.  Jesus did not begin his ministry until empowered by you, Holy Spirit.  If He needed you, how much more do I need you.  Fill me again and again with your presence; keep me full is my prayer.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!