Another jailbreak in our first reading today from Acts 16. Today God uses a mighty earthquake to break the chains of Paul and Silas. And the happenings after the jailbreak are amazing! Be sure to check it out. For our Gospel reading, we’re back in John 16, as Jesus speaks more about the Advocate, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus says of the Spirit, “He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and comdemnation.” Every now and again (OK, way more often that I am comfortable with), the Holy Spirit gives me what I call a Conviction Notice. A Conviction Notice is when I am convicted about bad thoughts, bad behavior, etc. You know – sin. Sometimes these Conviction Notices come when I am in silent prayer. Other times they come through other people. Never are they easy to accept.
It strikes me that these days the Holy Spirit really faces an uphill battle when it comes to convicting the world in regard to sin. Seems that sin is a concept that has become passe. It used to be that people actually believed in the concept of sin – that things we do can actually offend God. With the rise of moral relativism, not only is sin as a reality on the way out, you had dare not speak of sin! How dare you tell someone what is or isn’t a sin. Don’t be so judgmental! Let me tell you something, my friend. Sin still exists. God is still offended. Are we convicted?
Father, we thank you for convicting us of our sins. Help us to follow in the path of righteousness that You have set out for us. Amen.
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