FAMOUS FOR…
Opening Prayer
My God, I wait for You… Meet me here.
Read Acts 5:12–16
The Apostles Heal Many
12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10).What would you like your church to be known for in your local community? This church was held in high esteem – they were clearly valued, appreciated, and admired for the impact they had as a faith community on their surroundings (13, 14).
Today’s passage makes clear that not only people throughout Jerusalem but also from the neighboring towns (16) knew that God’s power was real and prevalent in the early church. Imagine the scenes in which people were using Google Maps to follow Peter’s whereabouts in order to carry their sick family or friends and those struggling with demons in cots or on mats into the streets in order for his shadow to fall on them (15)! Why not pray for your church leaders to grow in God’s power and be appreciated and respected by the surrounding town or area?
In addition to the ‘many’ signs and wonders (12), ‘multitudes’ of men and women were trusting in Jesus and being added to the church. Perhaps some of us might read this passage and think of it as a particular time in a particular place, but God has poured out His Spirit at many different locations since in remarkable revivals. If He did it once, couldn’t He do it again?
Apply
Try to put aside any preconceived notions you may have of ‘revival’ and ask God with eager anticipation to pour out His Spirit in your life and world in any way He so desires.
Closing prayer
Father, please pour out Your Spirit and bring revival to me, to my church, to my local community so that many may be saved.
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