6TH WEEK OF EASTER

He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds.

The Acts of the Apostles is filled with stories about the amazing works of the Holy Spirit: inspiring new languages, healing the sick, raising the dead, and bringing thousands to conversion. And today we hear about an earthquake that breaks open prison doors! Yet in all this excitement, it can be easy to miss the more quiet work that the Spirit does in people’s hearts—a work that we can experience as well.

Today’s reading tells how the Holy Spirit prepared a jailer in Philippi to receive the gospel. Upon witnessing an earthquake, this fellow was—understandably—filled with fear. Realizing the quake was probably the result of the prayers of the apostles Paul and Silas, he asked, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). When the apostles told him about Jesus, the jailer was moved by the Holy Spirit to a quiet act of Christlike love and service. Though it was very late at night, he took Paul and Silas into his home and tended to their wounds. Then, almost as if in response, the two apostles baptized him and his whole family and shared a meal with them (16:33-34).

You have probably seen more of these quiet testimonies to the Spirit than showstopping miracles like an earthquake. In fact, take a moment right now to think of someone who reflects the love of God. It may even be someone who, like the jailer, seems far from the Lord. But you can see evidence of the Spirit’s work in them as they care for a loved one in the hospital or as they show courage in adversity or dedication in serving.

Resolve to reach out to that person today. Tell them how you see God’s presence in them. Tell them how inspiring they are to you. Who knows? Your words of affirmation may well move them closer to the Lord. Or you may prompt them to seek him out more deeply.

Keep your eyes open for the Spirit’s quiet activity in people. And when you recognize it, point it out to them. Help them to see and rejoice in God’s creative love at work in their hearts. Then, one day, perhaps you will marvel at the way they have “come to faith in God” (Acts 16:34).

“Jesus, help me recognize and affirm the work that you are doing in those around me.”

Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8
John 16:5-11