Follow the Leading of the Holy Spirit
Scripture Passage: Acts 7:44-53 (NASB)
44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn received it, and they also brought it in with Joshua upon dispossessing the nations that God drove out from our fathers, until the time of David. 46 David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. 48 However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says:
49 ‘Heaven is My throne,
And the earth is the footstool of My feet;
What kind of house will you build for Me?’ says the Lord,
‘Or what place is there for My rest?
50 Was it not My hand that made all these things?’
51 “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. 52 Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, and you have now become betrayers and murderers of Him; 53 you who received the Law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.”
SUMMARY
Stephen explains that the tabernacle in Moses’s time was replaced with the temple during the King Solomon era to honor God. However, God does not dwell in houses made by human hands. Stephen pointed out his accusers’ uncircumcised hearts and ears. Their stubbornness and resistance to the Holy Spirit turn them into betrayers and murderers of the Righteous One.
REFLECTION
As I meditated on today’s passages, I asked God to reveal to me “Who is God?” Stephen said: “He is the Most High and the Righteous One”. From verses 49-50 I see: God is sovereign. God is glorious. God is the author. God is the creator. God is omnipresent. God is indefinite. God not only manifested in tabernacle and temple in history, but through Christ’s sacrifice I can now be called a child of God and be the temple of God.
Verses 51-53 make me reflect on “Who am I?” I am a sinner. Many times I ignore the Holy Spirit and live according to my own will. My hardened heart and clogged ears that reject the dwelling of Spirit in me. Many times I become the persecutor, and it is my sins that killed Jesus and put him on the cross. I am the betrayers of my savior. I am the murderer of the Righteous One. Sometimes I can be just so ignorant and not even aware of my sins - living in my spiritual dullness and pretending everything is alright. When Pastor David’s sermon brought my attention to reflect myself on whataboutism. So many times at work or at home, I rather blame the situation, blame the system, blame others for not doing something, or blame others for doing something incorrectly. Too often I just want to justify my action with excuses, hide behind my passivity, or try to avoid responsibility. However, God knows my heart and motive. Just like our sisters shared in our zoom meeting on Monday night, God wants our hearts. Without repentance, I would never be able to be a vessel to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
APPLICATION
Instead of expecting others’ action or performance, I felt God is asking me to focus on my own action and my heart. Go deeper to repent my sins and allow Spirit to transform my thoughts. I remember how I got my current job that is truly a blessing from God. It was after I took some break to stay home with my young children. I was afraid that most available jobs would require long hours. There were not many childcare options for me back then. God gave me this job not only because its schedule fits me best, but also it fulfills my long desire to work in the field to help elderly patients. Three years later I found myself often focusing on unresolved problems and issues, or getting distracted by office drama or rumors. I failed to make my workplace my mission field. Especially after one year of pandemic, the need to support others mentally and emotionally is even greater. I was reminded today that I shall pray more for my workplace and provide more care to ensure their wellness.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your words today. Please forgive my uncircumcised heart. Help me repent from my lack of compassion and my aloof attitudes. Help me show Your love at my workplace and at home. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and guide me with Your Word. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus. Keep me away from lies and deceitful thoughts that blind me. Give me a pure heart. In Jesus name I pray.
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