Acts 10:44-48
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 (NRSVUE)
The wiggly toddler in her parents arms was totally unaware of what was to come. Holding on tight to her Pink Elephant pacifier, she looked down at the sparkling water and smiled from ear to ear. She reached with a toe toward the precious water in the Baptismal font, just wanting to touch it. As soon as she realized that that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, she loosened her grip on the pink elephant pacifier and threw it into the water. Splash!! Not only did the pink elephant get wet, so did my husband, the Pastor, as well as the parents and sponsors! A Baptism for all!!
Baptism is a rite (Sacrament) instituted by Jesus when he said “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28) In our lesson for today we see God’s will that all peoples, including the Gentiles should receive this gift of the Holy Spirit and Baptism. Our lesson tells us that this is exactly what happened according to Peter. How exciting for those who were there that day!! A Baptism for all!
Asking our “10 year old” family theologian about Baptism she said, “Grandma!, Baptism cleans your heart and makes it pure.” Oh my, how simple and true. Martin Luther explains Baptism to us in the Small Catechism: “Our sinful self should be drowned through daily repentance and a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.” St. Paul in Romans sees baptism as the going down in the water and emerging, as being symbolic to Christ’s dying, burial and rising again.
A Pastor once told his congregation that every morning when they wake up and splash water on their face, they should think of it as a Baptism for the day. Starting the day cleansed, refreshed and pure for whatever lies ahead. A restart from all the former sin from yesterday. What a joyful way to start the day!
Along with the toddler that day, all those around her at the font were sprinkled with the life giving water.
Baptism for all Peter told his followers. Baptism for all.
Questions for Reflection:
- When was your Baptism? Were you a child or at an age of understanding?
- We have just journeyed through Christ’s death, burial and rising again. Can you link your Baptism with all of that? How can you start clean and fresh each day with God?
Prayer
Resurrected Jesus,
Thank You for your gift of Baptism which connects us with you in such a deep way. It drowns out our sin and enables forgiveness so we can be pure and right with you. Immerse, sprinkle or douse us to walk with you in the newness of life! Baptism is for all. Amen
Login To Leave Comment