Reading: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
Reflection:
Can you imagine the scene? It’s a baptism. Not for just one, two or three people, but three thousand people. They had just heard a message from Peter and were compelled to lead a life of following Jesus Christ.
After they heard Peter’s words, they asked what they could do. And Peter told them “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” Peter continued by testifying to the greatness of our Lord.
Peter’s message was for those thousands on that day and it is for us today. The promise is for you, and for me, and for your children, and my children, even those who are far away. God is calling us to live in the good of the call we receive through baptism. How are you living out that call today?
–Chad Hershberger
Prayer
Gracious God, we give you thanks that you have come to find us, even we who are far away. Shower us each day with your grace as we remember the gifts and promises given to us in baptism.
Amen.