A Word from Acts 5

Have you ever encountered a situation that made you both intrigued and fearful? Maybe it was something simple, like trying a new food or an activity that all your friends liked, but that you were a little unsure about. Or maybe it was something significant, like applying for a new  job that you really wanted, but you were also scared that you might not be able to handle.

Well, life is full of experiences that create conflicting reactions in our hearts. And in today's word from Acts Chapter 5, we hear about a time when following Jesus was one of those experiences.

If you read chapters 2, 3 and 4 in the Book of Acts, you'll discover that today's word isn't kidding when it says that "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people" (5:12). Speaking in tongues. Healings. Bold preaching, and transformed lives. The followers of Jesus were creating quite a stir! And so, maybe we shouldn't be surprised when today's word goes on to say, "No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number" (5:13-14).

So, what do you think it would take for us to follow Jesus in a way that both intrigued and scared people? 

Probably not a new ministry or a new outreach strategy. No, what it would probably take would be a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit within us. After all, as a teacher from long ago once said, God and God alone is "the mysterium tremendum et fascinans" (which is Latin for "the mystery both fearful and fascinating"). But then again, if we asked for God's Spirit and were open to God's Spirit...well, then maybe we could both intriguing and "fear of the Lord-inspiring" again.

So today, would you ask and be open, so that God's Spirit can work in you? Amen.