Spirit Led
Which came first, the spirit or the word?
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days. - Acts 10:44-48
In John's Gospel, we hear that the Word was with God from the beginning, and the Word was Christ, but we also hear that the Spirit moved on the waters at the time of Creation, so all three members of the Trinity coexist.
When it comes to Baptism, there is an order to things we have become accustomed to. The Word is spoken, calling the Spirit to descend upon the baptized, and through water and anointing, we recognize the arrival of the Spirit to dwell forever in the soul of the one baptized.
But here, Peter witnesses the Spirit descending before baptism, and through that witness, gets the message that these Gentiles should be baptized in the name of Christ.
The action was Spirit led.
If it had been left to Peter, he probably would not have thought to baptize these people, so God stepped in.
This is what happens in our lives. God steps in when we can't see the outcome He sees, and His Spirit takes the first step.
That is truly good news for those of us who hesitate. We see a task as too complicated or nearly impossible and so we look for alternatives to action, preparing for failure, when we should proceed with faith.
Sometimes God has a bigger vision than we do, and we have to trust in Him to help us find a way to make it happen.
For Peter, the change in scope was huge. It came with enormous risks, and not just a little fear. But he saw and was enlightened.
If he hadn't, how many of us would be believers today?
More to come...