Verse
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
— Acts 13:52 tniv
Thought
The Holy Spirit's presence in God's people is accompanied by joy! This was true of Jesus (Luke 10:21). This is also true of Jesus' disciples (Rom. 14:17; Rom. 15:13; Gal. 5:22). What I find interesting in this passage is that all the external reasons for the disciples of Jesus to rejoice are absent. Paul and Barnabas are persecuted and run out of the region. But, the good news of Jesus had penetrated the hearts of people who believed and turned to Jesus. Paul and Barnabas continue on their mission and leave behind a group of people in whom the Holy Spirit of God lives. No matter the circumstances, the Holy Spirit is going to bring God's deep and abiding sense of joy. Jesus had promised this to his followers before his death (John 16:21-24). God lives in us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God and will ultimately share eternity with God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13). While trials, persecutions, and hardships may come our way, the Holy Spirit within us is God's reminder that our ultimate victory is secure and our Father's love is always present. No wonder that we are filled with "an inexpressible and glorious joy"! (1 Pet. 1:9)
Prayer
O Father, I look forward to seeing you face-to-face as your child and experiencing the full realization of the joy of your grace. I thank you for the Holy Spirit who brings that sense of joy into my heart even in the darkest moments of my life's journey. In Jesus' name I thank you! Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
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And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
— Acts 13:52 tniv
Thought
The Holy Spirit's presence in God's people is accompanied by joy! This was true of Jesus (Luke 10:21). This is also true of Jesus' disciples (Rom. 14:17; Rom. 15:13; Gal. 5:22). What I find interesting in this passage is that all the external reasons for the disciples of Jesus to rejoice are absent. Paul and Barnabas are persecuted and run out of the region. But, the good news of Jesus had penetrated the hearts of people who believed and turned to Jesus. Paul and Barnabas continue on their mission and leave behind a group of people in whom the Holy Spirit of God lives. No matter the circumstances, the Holy Spirit is going to bring God's deep and abiding sense of joy. Jesus had promised this to his followers before his death (John 16:21-24). God lives in us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God and will ultimately share eternity with God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13). While trials, persecutions, and hardships may come our way, the Holy Spirit within us is God's reminder that our ultimate victory is secure and our Father's love is always present. No wonder that we are filled with "an inexpressible and glorious joy"! (1 Pet. 1:9)
Prayer
O Father, I look forward to seeing you face-to-face as your child and experiencing the full realization of the joy of your grace. I thank you for the Holy Spirit who brings that sense of joy into my heart even in the darkest moments of my life's journey. In Jesus' name I thank you! Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
