Photograph by Eradio Valverde at the Jordan River, site of Jesus' Baptism
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days. (Acts 10:44-48)
Good day Dear Friend! Here's trusting the Lord is blessing you in a marvelous way today, and that with the power of God's Holy Spirit, you may do all that God has sent your way to do. I love the person who wrote, "God has given me certain things to do before I die; and I'm so far behind I will never die!" The Bible records many an instance where God has said, "Get up and go!" Say it with me, "Lord, I hear you."
This passage is a continuation of the incredible story of Peter's visit to Caesarea and the Gentile Roman solider, who worshiped God but had not yet come to fully understanding what it meant to serve the Lord. God had been at work in his life and led him to invite Peter. It took a marvelous vision for Peter to know that God was indeed sending him to the home of an "unclean" man. And it was during that visit that Peter taught and preached to the Gentiles, and today's passage has the Holy Spirit coming down upon all who heard the word. I wonder today if those on their smart phones would have been among those who received the Holy Spirit? Okay, I digress... The power of God is such that it can do some unexplainable things; like God's Spirit falling on those whom you suspect would never get it. Remember, the attitudes among Jews, and even Jewish Christians involved a smug view of specialness (that's nice enough no?) towards the non-Jews (Gentiles). But, come upon them, He did; and they began to praise God in a prayer language; this was enough for Peter to declare that they needed to be baptized into the faith in the Name of Jesus Christ.
I shared how on Monday, Pastor Matt and I visited a dear man who grew up in a small church that never had a pastor. And for that reason he was never baptized. Now, at the young age of 91, he has asked to be baptized. What joy was ours as we heard those words. God had been working on him just like Cornelius and his household; and the day has come when he will be baptized in God's house this Sunday. Look at the above photo I took at the Jordan River where it is believed Jesus was baptized. While there we witnessed the baptism or re-affirmation of baptism of many, in the waters where Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist. And you know what? There are still countless people who await someone to come and share with them the Good News about God's love through Jesus Christ; who will present themselves for baptism. Jesus' Great Commission basically says for us to BAPTIZE THE WORLD! "All nations..." No exceptions, not just the ones that look like or talk like us; ALL NATIONS.
PRAYER: Loving God, pour out on us Your Holy Spirit. May we be made bold with joy and power to witness to our faith in order that the world may come to faith and all the world is baptized. This we pray in Christ Jesus' powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Take the living water of Jesus with you today; you never know who will need baptizing with the good news!
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER UPDATE: I visited with Mr Dane Sullivan at Lakeway Hospital (I joked with him that the sign said we were only 12 miles from Phoenix); he's in good spirits with some pain from the back surgery that he underwent. Pray for his healing. Mrs. Deannie Ploeger had had a rough night and needs our prayers so she can be released from the hospital. Mr. Doug Smith is home and doing well. Pray for his continued recovery. Pray for one another; pray for the world and those who need the Lord.
