Unstoppable! 'What Can This Mean?' — Acts 2:12

Monday, January 23, 2023

[The crowd, after witnessing the Spirit coming to Jesus' disciples,] stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other.
— Acts 2:12 NLT

Key Thought

The crowds at this Spirit-inspired Pentecost knew something momentous was happening. The Holy Spirit had come on Jesus' followers in a loud and visible way. The believers spoke in languages they had not learned, so each person heard what they said in his or her own language (Acts 2:4, 7-8). This phenomenon led the people to ask "What can this mean?" Their question opened the door for those who already believed in Jesus to share the message the people needed to hear so they could turn their lives toward Jesus. We need to ask God to open the hearts of those around us. Then, we need to listen to them. Once they know that we've heard them, we can speak to them about Jesus.

Today's Prayer

O Lord God, I have several friends who need to find salvation in Jesus. Please work in their lives in ways they will notice. Get each one's attention and open each of their hearts. Give me listening ears, Father, so I will hear their questions and begin from there to lead them to Jesus. Lord, I don't want to turn people away from Jesus because I am too pushy. At the same time, I don't want to ignore their need to come to Christ. So please, dear God, work in their lives and lead them to ask questions so that I can share Jesus with them. I pray this in his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 8:1-5, 26-35
  • Acts 17:19-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:12 NLT — [The crowd, after witnessing the Spirit coming to Jesus' disciples,] stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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