For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Why were the disciples filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit? I can see two reasons here, and both are a sound instruction to me. The first is the Word of the Lord was spreading throughout the region. Their trip had not been in vain, Gentiles were believing. They heard the massive celebrations in Heaven for each sinner who believed.
The second is that as with Peter and John earlier, they had been seen as fit to suffer for the sake of their Lord.
When was the last time I was filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit because the Spirit had used me to bring one more soul into heaven?
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 88
Mid-day: 119:137-144
Evening: Psalm 14
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