Boom: Blessings, Opportunities, Outpouring & MiraclesSample

MIRACLES

As we close our BOOM devotion, let’s lean into a story that brings all our concepts together and highlights our last theme: miracles.

The back story is, of course, the brutal and confronting death of Stephen, the much loved and eloquent servant of the church, who died at the hands of a religious mob backed by the Chief Priests and Saul.

Suddenly, the Church is scattered by persecution, and Philip makes the most of this opportunity by returning to Samaria and bringing the message of salvation in Jesus’ name. Jesus had been to Samaria several times during His ministry years, and the people of that region seemed more than ready to hear about Him.

SCATTERED

Just like when Jesus originally sent the disciples out in Luke 10, Philip goes on to preach with great authority, and miracles occur in Samaria. Had this persecution not broken out, Phillip may have never thought to head to Samaria.

We see that Philip had authority over the demonic, and they feared him, not the other way around. Just like the earlier healing at the Temple for Peter and John, the lame were healed, and the whole region rejoiced at their encounter with Phillip. The outpouring of the Spirit and the miraculous signs were not restricted to a few in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit was breaking out even to Samaritans of all people!

MIRACLES MAKE WAY

It’s worth reflecting on the first encounter Jesus had in John 4 with the woman of Samaria. Jesus went out of His way to break down prejudice toward the Samaritans, but deeper than that, He also interacted with a woman, breaching a whole range of social protocols.

She became the first preacher to the Samaritans about Jesus. Now Philip has returned with a message made even more potent by the proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

The miracles Philip saw became well known back to Jerusalem, and the Apostles Peter and John had arrived. Suddenly, the Samaritans have their own Pentecost!

Talk about an outpouring! Now the Church was a mixed bag of ancient enemies, united by the gracious power of the Holy Spirit and the life-giving message about Jesus Christ.

FOLLOW THE PROMPTS

No sooner had the Samaritan Pentecost occurred than the Holy Spirit led Philip into the wilderness. What?! "Do you mean, leave the revival meeting God?!" But we learn this from Philip; if we remain soft and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, there are more miracles to come.

Had Philip lingered back even just a few more hours, he would never have had the encounter with the Ethiopian Treasurer, who was returning home after seeking spiritual enlightenment in Jerusalem. This sends the Good News of Jesus even further abroad than Samaria; To the ends of the earth!

CONCLUSION

It is important for us to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And when we find ourselves in the middle of a miracle, not to get so caught up in it that we miss further guidance and leadings from God.

The Holy Spirit is always on the move and beckoning us to follow.

1. What promptings are you hearing from the Holy Spirit today?