Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“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. ”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, August 28, 2019
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Immediately following the coming of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost, Peter addressed the crowds with the good news of the risen Christ and a proclamation that the prophecies of old had been fulfilled in Christ. New believers were stunned and confused as to what they should do in response to this new knowledge. In this text Peter answers their question. “Repent [literally, to turn around], and be baptized.”
Peter invites them to turn around, and turn back to the God who “is our refuge and strength… [who] shall not be moved… and [who] makes wars cease.” They are invited to be baptized into the family of Christ that celebrates such a powerful and loving God. Baptism brings with it the promise of new life for them, their children, and for all who had lost their way.
Baptism is not magic. The sprinkling of water does not place a magic shield around people, nor does it promise a charmed life.
Baptism is an invitation. It is a welcoming into the body of Christ. It is welcoming the Holy Spirit into one’s self. It is walking in the world fully equipped with the spiritual gifts necessary for navigating this life.
Baptism is a promise. It is a promise made by those getting baptized to surrender fully to a life lived in Christ. It is a promise made by the community of Christ to support and love one another. Most importantly, it is a promise by God to walk with us, to guide us, to love us, and to welcome us home.
We are welcome home, always, because of what you have done for us within your Son, Jesus. Amen.
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