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
The gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. (vs. 45)
A small prairie church in northwest Iowa held records of many members dating back to the 1800s. Finding my father's and his siblings baptismal and confirmation dates, was, as many of you know, quite a fulfilling experience. These are very old books. They are heavy and strong, with soft leather covering. Inside were names and dates carefully penned in Lincoln-like script by the church secretary, my great-uncle John. He had entered a nephew's name on those pages...baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Another child's name is entered on the records of Little Sioux Lutheran Church. How much more gracious beyond measure is it, that names on these church records may also appear in the Lamb's Book of Life in Heaven. Paul welcomed Gentiles as they also received the Holy Spirit. They too were baptized, and great rejoicing was known. God does it. How good it is.
Prayer
O Father, your blessing of baptismal grace can be true reason for wonder and joy at being included in the very records of heaven! Amen.