January 24, 2020: SOAP #3704:  Exodus 9-11; Luke 24

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
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 {Or in } water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts (NIV) 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues {Or languages} as the Spirit enabled them.

Observation:  Luke records the last few comments of Jesus before he left earth and returned to heaven.  In the first chapter of Acts, Luke repeats the promise of Jesus.  And in the second chapter, Luke reports how that promise was fulfilled!

Application:  It was important for Jesus to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as Luke recorded in Luke 3:21-22 and 4:1 & 14.  It was important for the early church to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as Luke recorded in Luke 24 and Acts 1 & 2.  Obviously, it is important for me to be filled with the Holy Spirit today.

Prayer:   Jesus, thank you for filling me with the same Holy Spirit that descended on you when you were baptized.  He has been sent to enable me to continue your ministry where I live.  May you be glorified by the Spirit’s ministry through me.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!