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Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17)
I first saw this poor dog with the caption under its picture: WHEN THE PASTOR CALLS ON YOU TO PRAY. I had to laugh because I have been there and I have put people there. I've known of some pastors who wanted a month's notice before praying in a public function outside of church. You may have your own "rules" or limits about what you can or cannot do without notice, but over all, when it comes to Christian service, if you've been baptized, you've been empowered to do almost anything for which you are called. Take the story in today's scripture. The apostles heard that a region not known usually for its faith had now come to faith through having accepted the word of God. The apostles respond to this good news by sending Peter and John to the new converts. These two come to Samaria and pray for them asking God to send the Holy Spirit, and they did. This fulfilled what John the Baptist had spoken about when people believed him to be the Messiah. John pointed to Jesus and what Jesus would do later.
The power of the Holy Spirit is the locomotive power behind our determination to do what God calls on us to do. This goes beyond the children's story about the little locomotive that thought it could; this is the full-sized, full-powered locomotive powered up and full force pushing us up and over any and all obstacles that may stand between us and faithfulness. It was a promise of God and it is fulfilled in our baptism done in the Triune name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And it may go beyond the public prayer; it may go to public preaching and witnessing of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Look at the dog again; never have that look again when called by God to do anything; you can do it! (And you should do it!)
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit! I can and will do all things with the blessing of the Holy Spirit. I want to move towards fullness of faithfulness to doing the things You call me to do. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
