Acts 13:52 “And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

WHAT CAUSED THE JOY?

I love this verse, but it is a bit puzzling. Paul and Barnabus had been sharing the Gospel and the crowds were building. The Jews get jealous (sounds like Baptists) and ran them out of town. This verse follows that. Why were they filled with joy and the Holy Spirit? Paul and Barnabus had been forced out of the district, not just the town.

I believe Paul and Barnabus gave these new disciples some marching orders when they left. “Hey guys, we have to go. But this is your home. You are the ones God is going to use to see these people changed. You have to continue preaching the Good News of Jesus to them.” Now those words are not in the Bible, but I believe this is why they responded in the way it says in verse 52. Continually filled!

TEACHING MOMENT

We have the privilege to teach our children what it means to be continually filled. Do they see that in you? Or do they just see you put on your “spiritual mask” on Sundays? Do they even hear you mention God’s Word or Jesus the other six days? Are you continually filled with joy and the Holy Spirit?

I am not saying you have to walk around with a permanent grin on your face with your hands lifted up. But I am talking about having the shekinah glory all over you. We can shine for Jesus even when we are having a bad day. Our kids need to see that. They need to see us living out our faith when everything is falling apart. They need to hear us speak truth when all around there is uncertainty.

Are you “continually” doing those things? Will you commit today to try? Will you let Jesus live out His desires in your life today? He will – if you let Him.