Main news for 4 May 2008

This is what is remarkable about life after Pentecost, this is what is remarkable about the book of Acts: all events occur not simply by people's understanding and decision, but because the Holy Spirit has revealed His will. We can only sigh that for some reason it does not work that way for us. But only sigh? Should we not look carefully at why it worked for them?

First, it is written that they ministered to the Lord and fasted. This means that people sought the will of God, prayed earnestly about it, even fasted for greater zeal in prayer. For God this was a sign that His word would be heard with full attention, not let pass by their ears. Is this how we prepare for God to say something to us?

Second, it is said that no word of God remains powerless (Luke 1:37). This means that if God sees (and He really sees!) that we are not going to accept His word with obedience, He will not give it to us (why cast pearls before swine?). The following verse (Acts 13:3) shows that in this case people hastened to fulfill God's will. If only we would do the same!