Today’s WORD (Text)               Acts 10:44-48

44/ While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45/ 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. 46/ for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47/ “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48/ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

 

Today’s Witness

The crux of this passage is that the Holy Spirit is intended for all who believe the story of God’s reconciling love enacted in the ministry of Jesus. God dealt with Peter, a Jewish apostle, to predispose him to preach beyond the borders of his religious and cultural upbringing to God’s children who were not descendants of the Jewish religion.  God also dealt with Cornelius, a prominent Gentile, to precondition his mind and heart to invite a Jewish evangelist of the Gospel into his home.  God is serious about breaking down the social, cultural, political, and even religious walls that divide God’s children.

Multiculturalism, diversity, and cultural humility are not mere 21st century inventions.  Multiculturalism is embedded in the religion of Jesus, who preached to the mixed multitudes from all backgrounds and walks of life. It is embedded also in the ministry of the 1st century Church that was endowed with the gift of many languages to communicate God’s activity to the diverse world outside their walls: “the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.”  The Holy Spirit is still on the move throughout the world, inspiring faith on the part of all who will listen. Oh, that the Church might proclaim the Message, and baptize all who believe in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Today’s Invitation

Is there a neighbor near your home, local church, or ministry that could benefit from a loving gesture of welcome and good will on your part?  How might you be the presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit through a visit or act of kindness to someone nearby in your community that you have not met?

Today’s Prayer

Dear God, we thank you for the Holy Spirit that empowers your children to be your witnesses to the world. Always remind us that your love extends unconditionally to all your children, and that it is your will for all to come to faith, so that none will perish.  Teach us how to love all those to whom we are sent to preach. Teach us to go forth filled with love and the power of the Holy Spirit, to all those you send us to in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The Passionary Intention

Today, I choose to live my life with passion.  Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:

  • Where will I follow Christ today?
  • To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
  • How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?

 

The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday).  Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.

 

Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash