May 4, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Acts 10:46b-47: Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (NRSV)
It must have been difficult to figure out what to do after Jesus rose and ascended. We read, for example, there were disagreements over the process of becoming a follower of Jesus. Did someone have to become Jewish before becoming Christian? In our reading, circumcised believers were surprised that the Holy Spirit had descended upon even Gentiles. Peter may not have been surprised, however, as he jumped at the chance for these new believers to be baptized.
A colleague once shared with me her experience about someone who came to her office to talk about God and faith. They were so overwhelmed by what they heard that they wanted to be baptized then and there. Should there be any hesitation? No. Even though we hope to have baptisms with the community surrounding them, sometimes the Holy Spirit works abruptly. Are we ready?! I hope so - we should expect the unexpected when the Holy Spirit is around! Peter did.
Blessings. And prayers.
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