Read: Acts 10:44–48
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. Acts 10:44
So much preaching and teaching in the Christian faith is anthropocentric—it’s all about us. However, the Bible, and all the stories therein, are decidedly theocentric—all about God. God is the primary actor in the Bible. Our job is simply to respond to what God has done in scripture and to what God is doing in our lives and in our world.
In this passage, Peter’s sermon was interrupted by God’s Holy Spirit falling upon the people listening to his message. God appropriately upstaged Peter. Even when it seemed Peter was in complete control, mesmerizing the crowd before him with his preaching, an interruption reminded him that God was the primary actor, the primary mover, the primary teacher. God was in charge, Peter was not—we are not.
Has God ever interrupted your life?
Lord, much of the time I like to be in control—I like to think of myself as the primary actor. I can, at least for a while, take comfort in my ability to act and initiate. But then there are moments—moments of powerful clarity—when I grow weary of having everything in my life centered on my whims and fancies. I grow weary of everything being about me. Deep down I long for my life to be about You. Help make it so, Lord . . . for I am getting tired of myself. I need You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.