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Acts 2

Acts 2

by Jennie, age 20, from Sweden

OBEDIENCE

Read Deutoronomy 7:9. Take a moment and thank God for His faithfulness. Ask Him to speak to you.

In chapter 1 we read about what Jesus told his disciples to do - to wait for the holy spirit, and then go out to the world with the good news.

Lets look at what happens next. Read Acts 2:1-13.

Did the disciples obey? Did Jesus keep his promise?

How do you think the disciples felt when the holy spirit came - with wind, fire and new languages? Do you think that was what they expected? How do you expect the holy spirit to work in your life?

Go to v.14. Again, Peter is the one who stands up to speak. Read v.14-40.  With the power of the holy spirit within him, Peter could preach the good news to all the jews gathered in Jerusalem. Do you remember what Peter did just before Jesus was killed (Luke 22:54-62)? That same Peter now stood up in front of thousands of men, preaching about Jesus. What do you think was the reason for his change?

The disciples obeyed Jesus - they waited for the spirit, and then they stepped out. 

Read v.41-47. What were the consequenses of their obedience? Do you think this would have happened if the disciples would not have waited for the holy spirit?

Go back to v.17-21. Peter quotes Joel, a prophet in the old testament. The promise of the holy spirit for all believers was an old promise, made long before Jesus walked on earth and told his disciples to wait.

Many things happened when the disciples obeyed God - they saw old promises be fulfilled, the recieved power from God, they saw many get saved, they saw wonders and miracles. When they obeyed God, they saw God work - in them, around them and through them.

Do you remember the story in Exodus 14 when the Israelites crossed the red sea? God told Moses to reach out his staff. When Moses obeyed, God moved. It was true for Moses, it was true for the disciples, and it is true for us; when we hear God and obey Him, He will move in mighty ways.

How is it in your life? Do you see God at work in you, around you and through you? Talk to God about it, ask Him where you need to obey Him, and ask Him to open your eyes to see the things He does. Write down what God has taught you today, and ask Him to help you live it out. And remember - He is a faithful God (Deutoronomy 7:9).