Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 8:12, “But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.”
Men and women are not very alike, are we? Not since the very first couple in the very first garden has a guy and a gal done or thought much of anything alike. John Gray wrote that the difference is so substantial, we seem to be from different planets, Mars and Venus. Seemingly, whatever the topic or subject at hand, there is statistically a measurable difference between the two of us. Fewer men go to church than women. More women watch television than men. Unfortunately for guys, we pay thousands more in auto insurance over time, primarily because 71% of auto fatalities are men. There are nine times more men in prison and jail than women, but women pay about twice as much than men for an ordinary haircut (not considering all the extras that a lady might also have done). The split between women and men who are vegetarians is about 60/40, but the more restrictive vegan lifestyle gap is more like 80/20. Well, I think you see the point, one which is no great surprise to you if you are a man or a woman. So I think anytime we learn of something that men and women do alike, we ought to take notice.
When Philip preached the gospel to the people of Samaria, they heard the truth about God’s kingdom and His risen Son Jesus Christ. Philip dispelled any myths that the people had heard over time and come to believe and instead replaced them with the truth. He healed the lame and cast out evil spirits and brought much joy to the city. And he no doubt did all this to men and women alike. So when he offered them the chance to believe in the Savior and have their sins washed away, men and women alike believed and were baptized. God’s will in heaven was being done here on earth, and it was no respecter of a person’s gender. We know firsthand and can argue ‘til the cows come home about the differences between men and women, who’s better at what and so forth. But the blood of Jesus was powerful enough to cover the gender gap and the specific sins that each of us are so prone to commit. We may not ever totally agree on shopping or sports or clothes or cars, but we are completely alike in our need for God’s grace. And He gives it to men and women alike.
As we seek Him today, rejoice in the differences that make us so much like each other.
Have a delightful Thursday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
