Loving God of riches in Christ Jesus, provide for the needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Acts 2: 14 That's when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: 36 "All Israel, then, know this: There's no longer room for doubt - God made him Master and Messiah, this Jesus whom you killed on a cross." 37 Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?" 38 Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away - whomever, in fact, our Master God invites." 40 He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, "Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!" 41 That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. (The Message).
The excitement of Jesus' Resurrection could not be contained. The disciples had a new attitude and zest for life and it carried over into every aspect of their lives, including their preaching life; or so is the case in Peter's life. On the day of Pentecost, when believers from all over the world gathered to celebrate again the giving of the Law to Moses, as God would have it, a new celebration comes: The coming of the Holy Spirit. Peter's sermon as found abridged here is to call all to a remembrance of Who Jesus is: Master and Messiah. And as Master and Messiah Christ offers to us: New life, forgiveness of sins, and the fullness of life as found in the Holy Spirit. A new life lived in Christ will be a magnet to those who do not yet know it and some will ask, "What must I do to have what you have?" And when that question comes, be ready and share the new life in Christ that you have!
PRAYER: Loving God, pour out Your Holy Spirit on me so that I may have this new life. Let my life reflect Your presence in me. Let me offer to the world what You offered to me, especially to those who only know what the culture may be offering. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
