Good morning, friends.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 10:47, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
In this rhetorical question put forth by Peter, he implies that nothing should prevent these new believers from being baptized, even if they happen to be Gentiles. Having heard firsthand from Jesus the charge to go and make disciples of all nations, he intended to be faithful to His command to baptize them and welcome into the church these who were outside the chosen Jewish race. And in doing that, Peter was intent on showing to all who were present the visible declaration of the inward rebirth brought on by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. But after that, what was next? For these new converts who were leaving behind their life of sin and misplaced devotion and hokey religion, how should their days now look, and where should their hearts now lead them? Well, the latter part of the commission from Jesus said to teach the disciples to observe all that He had commanded. So for these young saints, they must learn of Jesus and live out His teachings and go and repeat what happened to them with others. Simply put, they must bear fruit. They must do more than have a visible showing by being washed in water. They must produce a life that declares that an eternal transformation occurred within their souls, and not a day should pass when they don’t put on display the work of the risen Savior.
We are far removed in time and space from the great commission uttered on the mountaintop of Galilee, but we are not very long from the saving moment when Christ gave us new life. But far or near, there should be no reason why our life does not clearly profess our love and allegiance to the King of glory. No cause or explanation can excuse us from learning and obeying all that Jesus commanded. That is the very life into which you were redeemed. To live otherwise would be an act of treason or a show of hypocrisy. Rather, walk faithfully with the One who is faithful. Find joy and fulfillment in obedience and submission. Know the contentment that cherishes being a humble child of our great Lord.
As we seek Him today, let everything inward be transformed, and then let everything outward declare your freedom and liberty in Jesus.
Have a splendid Wednesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
