Has someone wise ever given you advice you didn’t listen to, only for those words to ring true in your mind years later? That’s happened to me several times. That is what happened to Peter when he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon the household of Cornelius. Immediately he remembered the words of Jesus.
ACTS 11:16
“And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'”
A Little Bewildered
Peter was preaching in Cornelius’ house, and during the middle of the message, the Holy Spirit fell, and they were filled with the Spirit. This left Peter a little bewildered. Gentiles received the Spirit as the Jews did on Pentecost. At the moment, He knew that everything Jesus had promised them was also available to the Gentiles. After the outpouring of the Spirit, Peter was reminded of the words of Jesus when He said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” The prophet Isaiah prophesied that this would happen in Isaiah 44:3.
Overflowing with Power
God wants to pour out His Spirit on all of His children. He wants us overflowing with the power, peace, and love the Spirit brings with Him. As followers of Jesus, we must seek this out and desire His presence. It is also important to say that the Spirit is not a magic wand that can be used for our benefit. The Spirit is God’s presence and power in the life of a believer. The fulness brings conviction of sin, counsel in God’s Word, and cultivation of the fruit.
Remembered the Words of Jesus
Are you allowing the Spirit free reign in your heart? It’s easy to forget or even block its work. I’d suggest waking up each morning asking for the Spirit to work in your life. Ask Him to convict, counsel, and cultivate. When these three happen, you will find that you are more aware of sin, understanding scripture, and the attributes of the fruit, like love and gentleness, will become more evident.