May 22nd - Acts 2:17-18

Acts 2:17-18 Peter responded to the suggestion that Jesus’ followers were drunk by making the practical observation that it was far too early in the morning for anything like that (v15)! He then went on to point out that Joel, in the ninth century BC, had prophesied that in the last days the Spirit would be poured out upon everyone in exactly this way. In Old Testament times we often see the Spirit coming upon specific people – usually prophets, priests and kings. In this new era of the Spirit, it would be fundamentally different. The doors were flung open to everyone to receive the Spirit and to hear God speak with them. We are still living in the last days, as described by Joel, and we should expect to hear God speaking through one another as his Spirit comes upon us. We thank God for those whom he has called to be church leaders. We often hear them faithfully declaring God’s word. But we should be expecting to hear God speak to us through everyone else in the church as well – and just as much through the shy and retiring people as the bold and talkative ones. We need to do what I love to call ‘deep listening’. Because we know that God loves to speak to us through one another, we need to give our best attention to each another. Deep listening takes time, effort and much love but as we listen we can be sure that we will hear God speaking to us. Question Who are the people who have spoken God’s word to you most clearly in recent months? Prayer Thank you, Lord, that you love to speak. Help me to listen out for your voice in all my Christian brothers and sisters. Amen