Bible Reading: Job 38, 39 & 40; Acts 16:1-20
“After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not” Acts 16:7 (KJV).
The work of preaching the gospel was primarily assigned to the Holy Spirit. “When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning” John 15:26-27 (KJV). It must be carried out as a partnership with the Holy Spirit and mankind. It is futile or vain for us to go about evangelism without the Holy Spirit.
Jesus did not begin His preaching ministry until after He had received the fullness of the Holy Spirit. No wonder He told the disciples in Luke 24:49 (KJV), “Behold, I send the promise of my father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until yee be endued with power from on high.” Jesus completed His ministry powerfully in three and a half years with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. In the same vain, He urged the disciples to wait for the outpouring of this Spirit to be endued with power needed for evangelism (Acts 1:5,8).
The Holy Spirit directs and guides our decision in evangelism because He watches over the needs and situations of every area in the world. He took Philip from Samaria to the desert to preach the gospel because a soul (the Ethiopian eunuch) and by extension, a continent (Africa) is ready to be saved (Acts 8:26-39). Evangelism becomes difficult, if not impossible, when we do not depend on the Spirit nor pay heed to His leading. You cannot accomplish the work of God through your own means and effort.
To partner effectively with the Holy Spirit in evangelism humility and waiting and following His leading is key. Paul and Silas in today’s memory verse, were sensitive and humble enough to follow the Holy Spirit by not going to those cities. Moreso, He works very well with prepared vessels like He did with Peter to Cornelius and his household (Acts 10).
The Holy Spirit is still here and will be till the end. Accept Jesus today and invite the Holy Spirit into your life.
Prayer: Father I thank You empowering me with Your Spirit. Thank You for the grace to be sensitive to His leading in Your work, in Jesus name.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu