Acts 8:14-17
When the apostles in Jerusalem received the report that Samaria had accepted God’s Message, they sent Peter and John down to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Up to this point they had only been baptized in the name of the Master Jesus; the Holy Spirit hadn’t yet fallen on them. Then the apostles laid their hands on them and they did receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 (MSG)
We believe that the Holy Spirit is given to us during our baptism. But in this passage the Samaritans did not receive the Holy Spirit during baptism. They did not receive the Holy Spirit until Peter and John came and prayed for them to receive the Spirit.
When the Jews heard about the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit it was a sign to them that all people no matter their region of origin would receive the Holy Spirit. They were therefore, equal in the eyes of the Lord.
The Holy Spirit is at work in ALL those that are baptized. Have you ever had an experience where you have sensed the Holy Spirit at work? I am not sure any of us knows what that exactly feels like. However, there have been times in my life that I have had a feeling come over me that I am in the right place at the right time - maybe it was the Holy Spirit. Or the constant nudges I feel to take someone a meal or send someone a card - Holy Spirit…possibly. Even if we don’t know what the Holy Spirit feels like, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit is within us and working. Thanks be to God!
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit?
- Does it change your perspective about others when you acknowledge the Holy Spirit is within all those baptized?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to all that are baptized. Even if we cannot sense the Spirit, we know that You are at work. Continue to work through us, so that we may do Your work here on earth. Amen
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