Learn To Let Go Of The Bad Things And Allow The Holy Spirit To Move
So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13: 51-52, NIV
When Paul and Barnabas went to Pisidian Antioch, a great number of people followed them after they shared about Jesus. The word spread all throughout the region, but the Jewish leaders tried to persecute them. And so, Paul and Barnabas shook the dust of their feet as a warning to them. After that, they went to another place.
Jesus also commanded His disciples to do the same thing when He sent out His twelve disciples. In Matthew 10:14, it was written, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” Paul and Barnabas did what Jesus commanded. They simply acknowledged that the place they visited rejected the good news that they hoped to share, and they didn’t want to take anything from that place with them.
In the following verse, it is highlighted that the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. This means that even though they received opposition and many persecutions, they still chose to rejoice. They allowed the Holy Spirit to move in their lives. They didn’t focus too much on the wrong things that happened. Instead, they learned to let go of the bad things and simply allowed God to move.
This verse is a testament to the joy that can be found in the Lord, even in the face of opposition and negativity. Paul and Barnabas chose to embrace a joy that this world could never offer. They were not easily swayed by the distractions around them, but remained focused on their goal-to share the good news about Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding us to set our eyes on you. Thank you for giving us the grace to learn this new lesson. We pray that you will fill our hearts with your fire so that we may apply your instructions in our lives. Teach us how to receive your joy, and how to allow the Holy Spirit to move in our lives. Please lead us to your ways and give us the courage to let go of the things that hinder us from coming to you. This, we ask and pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
