Devotion - Wednesday, August 30

In Acts 19, Paul is in the city of Ephesus.  He locates some "disciples" and begins to talk with them.  He asks if they received the Holy Spirit when they were baptized.  They said they had never heard of the Holy Spirit.  Paul asks about their baptism.  Their response was to say they had received the baptism of John.

Paul says, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is Jesus."

They are then baptized in the name of Jesus.  The Holy Spirit came on them, and they "spoke with tongues and prophesied."

These baptisms are different.  The Church baptizes in the name of Jesus.  While repentance is a part of each Christian's life, our baptism is more than a washing away of sin.  Our baptism is a gift, shown forth in the Holy Spirit.

We spoke last night in our bible study group about remembering our baptism, daily.  Luther is said to have begun each day by affirming "I am baptized."  Each evening, as he washed his face, he recalled the waters of his baptism.  Such practices can remind us of the gift which has been given to us.  They can assure us when we fear.

If you don't know the date of your baptism, find out.  I can help you if you need to contact the congregation where you were baptized.  On the third Sunday of each month, UniLu has a baptismal remembrance liturgy.  Begin to participate in that.

Celebrate the gift God has given you.  And be assured that nothing will separate you from the love God has for you.