The Gift for All People

Scripture – Acts 10:44-48: ⁴⁴While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷“Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” ⁴⁸So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Reflection: And so, the Spirit finally shows His hand. Salvation is for everyone – even those from a non-Jewish background. This marked the beginning of a huge adjustment in the thinking of the original apostles. (As you can see in tomorrow’s reading, Peter had some questions to answer back in Jerusalem.)

This is a great reminder that God’s plan of salvation is for all people. I get a little skeptical when I read about churches aiming to reach a “target” group. I understand the need to be intentional about reaching certain groups of people. At the same time, it’s awfully easy to begin looking for people like me, or people that fit a certain set of parameters. And in that, I get in the way of what the Spirit wants to do.

The Holy Spirit and his gift of eternal life are for all people. I’ll keep myself aware of that. Peter asked, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water?” Well, the answer to that question is, “Yes!” And the reality is you and I are the ones who can do that or not. So will we get in the way of Christ or will be get in the Way of Christ?

Reading for Sunday, August 17

Scripture – Acts 11:1-2: ¹The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. ²So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him ³and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”