When “Dead” Won’t Do

Before we had our daughter Chloe, Angela and I took a trip to Chicago, just the two of us. While we were there, we went to the aquarium / zoo. We like seeing animals up close. We had fun. Then, nearby was the museum of natural history, which we usually enjoy as well. So we left the zoo and went to the museum next. But for some reason, the museum was not enjoyable. Just coming from seeing animals that were so alive, to seeing a bunch of dead things – stuffed and lifeless – the dead things just seemed more……dead.

When you know life, death won’t do.

In Acts 2, the Church is infused with life. The Holy Spirit has been poured out on followers of Jesus gathered in the upper room.

Peter preached the gospel and thousands are saved. The Holy Spirit regenerated them, and the Lord added them to His Church.

And what did they do next? They came together. They lived life together. They had new life. They received what Jesus called “life abundant”. Before salvation, they were dead and didn’t know it. Now, because they are alive, they realize what it is to be alive.

Those whom Jesus has saved are drawn to others whom Jesus has saved. Life is drawn to life.

And for followers of Christ, that’s the drawing of the Holy Spirit who is in you to others who are filled with the Holy Spirit. God put the Spirit in us – He gives us the unity of the Spirit, as Paul calls it – because the Church is meant to live life together, glorifying God and serving one another.

And as we are constantly filled with the Spirit, God will use you to point others who are dead to Jesus – the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.