When the Power Moves In

“Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem!” (Acts 2:14) And then he preaches His great sermon on the day of Pentecost where they “believed what Peter said, were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all." Acts 2:41

What got into Peter?

Seven weeks ago he was hiding because of Jesus; today he is proclaiming the Good News of Jesus – His death and Resurrection. Before the crucifixion, he denied Christ, not just once but three times; now he announces Christ

From scared wimp to brave warrior in fifty days. What happened?

What got into Peter?

God’s Spirit did. Once after His resurrection but before His ascension, Jesus said to his apostles “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.” (Acts 1:4) So they did as He said and “They (The apostles) all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. (Acts 1:14)

Then Ten days after Jesus’ ascension into heaven “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place." (Acts 2:1), “…..all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). The followers experienced a gushing forth, a tremendous profusion. They were drenched in power. They all were: “sons and daughters…young men…old men…servants, men and women alike” (Acts 2:17–18). The Holy Spirit, in His own time and according to His own way, filled the followers with supernatural strength.

The Holy Spirit is not enthusiasm, compassion, or bravado. He might stimulate such emotions, but He Himself is a person. He determines itineraries (the Holy Spirit had prevented them (Paul and Silas) from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Acts 16:6), distributes spiritual gifts (It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.1 Cor. 7:11), and selects church leaders (“the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2). He teaches (the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26), guides (“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13), and helps us. (“It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7 KJV).

Jesus told His followers “he lives with you now and later will be in you.” (John 14:17). Occasional guest? No sir. The Holy Spirit is a year-round resident in the hearts of his children. As God’s story becomes our story, his power becomes our power.

When God’s Spirit directs us, we actually “follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” (Gal. 5:25). He is the drum major; we are the marching band. He is the sergeant; we are the platoon. He directs and leads; we obey and follow. Not always that easy, is it? We tend to go our own way. Surely not! :)

To walk in the Spirit, respond to the promptings God gives you.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isa. 30:21)

If Peter and the apostles needed his help, don’t we? They walked with Jesus for three years, heard his preaching, and saw his miracles. They saw the body of Christ buried in the grave and raised from the dead. They witnessed his upper room appearance and heard his instruction. Had they not received the best possible training? Weren’t they ready?

Yet Jesus told them to wait on the Spirit. “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised” (Acts 1:4–5).

Learn to wait, to be silent, to listen for his voice. Cherish stillness; sensitize yourself to his touch. “Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene” (1 Cor. 1:7–8 MSG). You needn’t hurry or scurry. The Spirit-led life does not panic; it trusts.

The same hand that pushed the rock from the tomb can shove away your doubt. The same power that stirred the still heart of Christ can stir your flagging faith. The same strength that put Satan on his heels can, and will, defeat Satan in your life. Just keep the power supply open. Who knows, you may soon hear people asking, “What’s gotten into you?”