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1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. (Acts 19:1-7 NIV Bible)
Happy Wednesday, dear Friend! I know this day brings great joy to those who work Mondays through Fridays! I know because I used to - long time ago! Or, if you go to school, Wednesday was a great day, too. Mid-week! And in my high school, Wednesday was hamburger day! The little snack shop outside our school cafeteria sold hamburgers for 25¢! Yum! And in college, Wednesdays was steak night in the Commons. But Wednesday is the day we look at the Epistle for this coming Sunday, which by the way is The Baptism of the Lord Sunday. All the passages we are examining are dealing with Jesus' baptism. Yesterday we studied the actually passage where Jesus presented Himself for baptism with his cousin John. And today's will show us a deeper aspect of baptism.
For many, baptism is known mostly as a ritual we follow in most churches. In our brand, the Methodist Church, it is one of two sacraments, meaning those rituals in which Jesus Himself participated, are considered incarnational moments, and very sacred, or holy in nature. There is a degree of supernatural mystery to It. The baptism as John the Baptist presented it, was one of forgiveness, a ritual cleansing of sin from ones spirit. The guilt and weight of sin was removed internally, or spiritually, but the actual washing by water of the person. The people from the Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem, as Mark wrote, were immersed in water, symbolizing the cleaning that was taking place in their spirits. Some also consider the entering into the water as a symbol of death, and emerging out of the water as a resurrection, or new birth that has taken place because we have been washed clean and born anew from the Spirit. Paul, on the other hand, knew that baptism in the Holy Spirit was also a part of what takes place in this ritual. Paul asks the disciples gathered in Ephesus, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered no.
Paul's question unveils an essential truth—that being baptized into Christ also means receiving the Holy Spirit. He explains the significance of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and as they were baptized, Paul laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Their lives were transformed by this empowering encounter.
This passage emphasizes the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It illustrates that the Christian journey involves more than merely acknowledging Christ—it encompasses experiencing the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, believers receive wisdom, guidance, empowerment for service, and a deepened relationship with God.
For us today, this passage prompts reflection on our experience with the Holy Spirit. Have we encountered the Spirit's transformative power in our lives? Are we seeking a deeper relationship with the Spirit, allowing His guidance and empowerment to shape our Christian walk?
Just as these disciples in Ephesus encountered the Holy Spirit through baptism, we're invited to open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in our lives. It's an ongoing journey of surrender, seeking a deeper understanding of the Spirit's role and influence, and being open to His transformative work within us.
Let's prayerfully seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, inviting His guidance, empowerment, and presence in every aspect of our lives. May we be open vessels, ready to be led and transformed by the Spirit as we walk in faith and obedience.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to seek a deeper relationship with the Spirit, to be open to His guidance, and to allow His transformative work in our lives. Empower us to walk in step with the Spirit, glorifying You in all we do. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Let us go forth today, seeking a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to fill every corner of our lives.
Receive my love for you and thankssgiving to God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
