During the revival services at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene, we have spent some time in the book of Acts. Our guest minister, Dr. Deirdre Brower Latz, noted that the acts of the Holy Spirit have not stopped: what was real for the disciples of old is just as real for us today.
This week we have reflected on Saul, who had an encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus; Ananias, who was led by God to go to Saul; Cornelius, who had an angelic encounter; and Peter, whose vision paved the way for his ministry to Cornelius' household. (see Acts chapters 9 and 10)
Dr. Brower Latz encouraged us to be aware of the presence of the Lord in our everyday lives, and to recognize that the Spirit of God is not bound-- not even by a person's error or ignorance. The Lord spoke to both Saul and Cornelius while they were still unconverted men, and then He sent Ananias and Peter to follow up on the work He had already begun.
What would our evangelism look like if we were to approach ministry not as a thing we initiate, but as a thing God uses to supplement what He is already doing? Dr. Brower Latz shared an anecdote about a Christian who feared that she would lose her job because her supervisor overheard her praying with someone. Upon being called in to her boss's office, the woman was surprised to learn that her supervisor, too, longed for prayer. Instead of losing her job, the woman became God's instrument for bringing a new convert into the kingdom of God.
We serve the God who spoke to Ananias, and also to Saul.
We serve the God who spoke to Peter, and also to Cornelius.
Our God speaks to those who know Him, those who seek Him, and even those who persecute Him.
Lord, speak to us today.
All
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
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