It is worldwide, this movement of God. Acts, chapter two, shows that; You don't share the Gospel in different languages if you don't expect it to be for all people from all places. And wait, didn't Jesus, in the last verses of Matthew say something about this worldwide emphasis of making disciples? The passage today speaks of the people of Samaria accepting the word of God. That is to say, revival came to this place not known for their faithfulness to God. Many at the time would have said, "That's the last place I would have thought would accept the word of God." That's why God thought of it, not us. We tend to limit things. God doesn't. And it comes at an interesting time. The first part of this chapter shares how a great persecution is started against the Christian Church by Saul and Philip finds himself preaching in Samaria during the time a great magician is amazing the people of that place with his magic and proclaiming himself to be great. Philip did not share himself as great, but shared how great God was, and many people came to faith including the magician, Simon, who from then on followed Philip around to see the signs and great wonders that were taking place because of the presence of the faith in God.
It was up to Philip to plant the seeds and reap the harvest of this revival, then the Holy Spirit directs the apostles to send to that place, Peter and John. Peter and John had had great success in sharing the Holy Spirit, they themselves being faithful to what the Holy Spirit had done through them. In chapter three of this same book, it was Peter and John who healed a man born lame and then testified before the Sanhedrin about the power of God through Jesus. So, they are sent to ask God to send the Holy Spirit to Samaria. The people of Samaria had been baptized in the name of Jesus but had not yet heard nor received the Holy Spirit. Peter and John arrive, laid hands on the believers and they received the Holy Spirit. Their lives now had the presence and power of the indwelling Christ. To receive Jesus is the first step of a grace journey. To receive and believe in the Holy Spirit is the actual journey itself of sanctification; that of being made holy each day before God for faithful service. The description of what the Holy Spirit provides in later epistles of Paul help us understand that this journey with Christ is lifelong and it is a growing journey that equips us more and more to do more and more. Read Galatians 5: 22 and 23 for a better understanding of what the fruit of the Spirit is. And read 1 Corinthians 12 for a list of the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful for Thy service. Lead us to deeper understanding and to more fruitful work. We pray in Christ Jesus, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
