September 5
Bible Reading: Acts 15:22-29
Acts 15:28, “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
There is a highway sign near here marking and commemorating the old Oregon Trail. Those who traveled west on that path crossed the continent on wagon trains, fording rivers and journeying through deserts and blizzards and the Rocky Mountains. They faced hostile Indians and outlaws and many hazards. How indispensable then was the role of an experienced wagon master, leading them on to their appointed destination. The Holy Spirit (the “Helper”) serves us in such a role.
It was the Holy Spirit who led and empowered in the early church, even as Jesus had promised (Acts 1:8). The Spirit was leading and working as the people were praying. Things are no different today. It is those who led by the Spirit who are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). The pastor, the leaders, and members of the congregation are all Spirit-indwelt believers. The Spirit speaks with one voice and leads in one direction. Our responsibility is to all keep in step with Him (Galatians 5:25).
The Jerusalem council faced a tough decision, a decision that would lead to dramatic and enduring consequences. The Judaizers were arguing for the need for the Gentiles to be circumcised. Peter and Paul and Barnabas made their case to the contrary. James, citing the prophet Amos, judged that the Gentiles should not be required to undergo circumcision. The church wrote a letter which was to be sent to proclaim that verdict. And in that letter, James noted that the decision was not just his or his and his fellow council members, but it “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and (them)” (Acts 15:28).
Jack Andrews commented on this: “The Holy Spirit presided over the proceedings in the church. He had His will and His way. The Holy Spirit leads His church as we submit to Him, seek Him, are sensitive to Him, and surrender to Him to do His will. The Holy Spirit of God was the source of this teaching as the church came together in once accord and discerned the will of the Lord.”
We are all called upon to make tough choices and difficult decisions. Is the Holy Spirit your guide, enabling you to avoid the ever-present spiritual snares and pitfalls that are commonplace in this present evil age (Ephesians 5:15-18)? He knows best when it comes to navigating the life’s journey.
To be led by the Spirit requires that you allow Him to lead.
HE LEADETH ME
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me. [Refrain]
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 