Acts 10:44-48 (NRSV)
Read Acts 10:44-48 on biblegateway.com
Verse 44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. Verse 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, Verse 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, Verse 47"Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" Verse 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Devotion
What happened at your church yesterday after the sermon? At ours we burst into song – after all, the bulletin told us to do so, to sing a specific hymn. But what if the hymn were spontaneous and what if, in addition, some members began speaking in tongues? Peter's congregation did.
Years ago while on vacation we and our children were surrounded by the (to us) strange sound of tongues at a Pentecostal church. Afterwards the worshippers greeted us warmly and sent us on our way with prayers. Neither they nor Peter's converts were baptized as infants. But we who were ought to be just as open to the Holy Spirit's work. Should not our response to the sermon be as enthusiastic as that of Peter's and the modern Pentecostal audience? This is the season celebrating Jesus' resurrection. That ought to get our attention!
Prayer
Lord, why is it so easy to become lethargic and unresponsive to the Gospel? Stir me up to praise and joy. Amen.