Led by the Spirit: Journey Through the Book of Acts Part 2Sample

Day 4: Breaking Boundaries

Human beings have a natural tendency to draw boundaries. From a young age, we learn to label and categorise people into “us” and “them." Sometimes these boundaries are shaped by our fear, pride or tradition, creating walls rather than bridges. These boundaries we draw in our minds limit us from thinking about possibilities and opportunities.

Continuing from yesterday’s passage on the gospel coming to a Gentile household, today we see how the Holy Spirit moved miraculously to confirm the breaking of human boundaries in a way like never before. As Peter was preaching about Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended on the Gentiles, enabling them to speak in tongues (v46). This was a remarkable confirmation that salvation was not only for the Jews, but for all. Both the believers at Pentecost and Cornelius’ household received the same gift of the Holy Spirit. Later on, this work of the Spirit would serve as evidence to the Jerusalem church that God desires salvation even for the Gentiles (Acts 11), opening up the door for mass evangelization of all people groups.

The Holy Spirit initiates the mission, confirms it and directs us beyond our humanly created boundaries and limits. In the days of Acts 10, nobody in their right mind would even think it was possible to preach the Gospel to a Gentile. The idea was preposterous, impossible and downright crazy. But the story of Cornelius is a powerful reminder that God’s grace knows no boundaries. To reach the people God loves, the Holy Spirit would stir in our hearts and enable us to go beyond what is humanly possible.

As we desire to hear the Holy Spirit speak to us, we need to confront ourselves with the possibility that He may tell us to do something way beyond our comfort and imagination. It could be preaching the Gospel to someone we think is “impossible” to do so to: someone in a position of authority over us, someone from a different people group that we tend to shy away from. It could be the Holy Spirit directing us to serve Him in a way that we think is “crazy” and unrealistic. Would we be ready to forsake the boundaries and limitations we place on ourselves to embrace the possibilities and opportunities God calls us to when He speaks?

Reflect:

• What are some barriers we have placed on ourselves that may limit us from experiencing God and partnering in His mission? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these barriers to you.
• We want to hear from the Spirit and be ready to obey His leading. Pray for yourself to have a heart that will yield in obedience when He speaks, no matter the cost.