A major milestone in any child’s life is when they learn to distinguish between a parent’s suggestion and a parent’s command. For some reason, most children take their parent’s statement, “Sweetheart, go clean up that messy bedroom” as a suggestion, one that can be done at any time if and when the mood hits them. I can guarantee that there will come a day when there will a startling realization that what was taken as a suggestion or option was actually a non-equivocal, non-negotiable command.
While church leaders are rock-solid on many foundational truths and recognize that there is no wiggle-room in the doctrine, they have yet to come to terms with Jesus’ command concerning the infilling of the Holy Spirit. What was given as a command is oft times taken as a suggestion or option. Jesus said …
“And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them
not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised,
Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak.”
Acts 1:4 (Amplified Translation)
Did you notice that Jesus wasn’t making a suggestion? He knew that His powerless, confused, ineffective followers weren’t capable of impacting the world without the infilling of the Holy Spirit. He commanded them to wait for the promise of the Father so that they could be filled with heaven’s power and go turn their world upside down.
For those who might be under the persuasion that this was a one-time directive, the Apostle Paul later echoed the command when he wrote …
“Be filled with the Spirit …”
Ephesians 5:18
Lead pastor, youth pastor, or children’s pastor this non-negotiable command must be preached. Today’s powerless, confused, ineffective followers are waiting for leaders (that’s you) to push aside for a few weeks their Duck Dynasty “Happy, Happy, Happy” sermons and preach and teach this life-transforming command and then provide the opportunity. And, as soon as this message is preached, our heavenly Father will fill ALL who ask. (Luke 11:13) Let’s provide the opportunity to see this happen.
Amen! I hear you loud and clear. People need to be filled with Precious Holy Spirit! Appreciate your voice declaring this reality!