SCRIPTURE: Acts 19:1-22
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Here we see the mysterious way the word of the Lord (ie message of good news, not the Bible which was not written yet) moved: baptism of the Holy Spirit, tongues and prophecying, handkerchiefs and aprons healing people, casting out demons (and demons beating up fakes). The results were powerful, dramatic conversions and a high esteem of Jesus.
Why do so many people despise Jesus today, is it because we do not demonstrate powerful, dramatic conversions? Is it possible (and this is a hard question for me to ask) that we have missed something in our baptism, like those Corinthian disciples? It is NOT the form of baptism, but the name and message of Jesus that produces such amazing results. So what’s missing?
PRAYER:
Lord, to be honest I do often feel that something is missing, both in me and around me, in the church. Help me not to be judgmental, but help me also not to be content with less than a full experience of Your power and blessing. Amen.
In this passage, we see the importance of the whole gospel being proclaimed. Jesus Christ came, died, rose, ascended and gave His Spirit. The presence of that Spirit, His gift, is an essential ingredient of the Good News being mightily proclaimed. Others tried to imitate God’s power in Paul in order to gain popularity and recogntion. This reminds me of some of the TV evangelists today with their holy water or prayer cloths. Nothing but the power of Jesus will do. Him we must proclaim. His Word must be spread to the ends of the earth. That is the great commission I have. That is the great commission all of His people have. Jesus is Lord. Walk in His Way, always.
Nothing can for sin atone, nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Naught of good that I have done, nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my hope and peace, nothing but the blood of Jesus,
This is all my righteousness, nothing but the blood of Jesus