Theme: THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF HIS GRACE
DAY 24, Read Acts 4:31-37
THE SPIRIT OF GRACE
“ And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication…” (Zechariah 12:10).
Zechariah 12:10, brings to our understanding the fact that there is what is called the Spirit of grace. This Spirit of grace is poured upon God’s people along with the Spirit of supplication. The Spirit of grace is no other than the Holy Spirit through whom all grace is made available. In Acts 4:31-37, the disciples experienced “great grace” when the Holy Spirit was poured out on them. Thereafter, they were able to proclaim the word of God to all. Only the Holy Spirit can release “mega grace” or “great grace” upon us.
Between Acts chapter 2 to chapter 4, some years had already elapsed. Perhaps, the zeal and enthusiasm of the disciples was already sagging. There was the need for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to empower the disciples to continue the work. “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness…And with great power the apostles gave witnessed to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:31-33).
We all need a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit from time to time to forge ahead in the Christian race and to grow beyond our present
point. We all need the fresh impetus of the Holy Spirit to re-fire our zeal and passion. What do I mean? Impetus is a driving force; it is a stimulation or encouragement that propels you to desire something higher. This is what the Holy Spirit does. Every organization or ministry need to grow to justify its existence. And growth can only come with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Onecharacteristic of the kingdom is growth. That is why in the Bible, the kingdom of God is represented as a seed that has the potential for multiplication and growth. This month-long fast is a time to ask God to grant us the Spirit of grace for further growth and expansion in our church. As we ask for grace, let us ask for the Spirit of grace for growth and expansion. What is the Spirit of grace? It is simply the Holy Spirit that makes grace available for the expansion of God’s business put in our care. Only through the Holy Spirit can we do the work of the kingdom.
I need to restate this fact, that it is only in Christ that we can receive grace. As we constantly tap into the fullness that is in Christ, we shall experience the grace we desire (John.1:16). Lastly, Psalm 84:11 says, “….God will give grace and glory…” May we receive his gift of grace and glory in our lives!
PRAYER: Father, pour upon us afresh the Spirit of grace so that your kingdom can expand through our labour.
