A point in time
Fiona Reynolds
January 10, 2018
Add to Favourites
Acts 19: 1-7
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ 3 Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ 4 Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— 7 altogether there were about twelve of them.
There is a growing trend for people to re-affirm vows that they have taken in the past. This is most usually seen in the re-affirmation of marriage vows, such as after a difficult time in a marriage or on a special anniversary. It is a way of marking what has gone before whilst recommitting to a future based on certain principles.
The same can be true of baptism, whether experienced as a baby, young person or adult. For those who have been baptised—a once-in-a-lifetime event—it is important to remember that point in history, to give thanks for what it has meant, and to look forward with faith, hope and love to what it promises for the future.
Things changed on that day, God,
when I stepped into the unknown:
making promises I wanted to keep
not knowing if I had the strength to do it.
In that moment,
You held me,
seeing the potential
knowing the uncertainty
promising your presence.
Now,
right now,
where and how I am,
see me again:
allow me to let go in grateful thanks,
for all that has been,
ready to grasp the possibilities of today
and tomorrow,
all in your presence
in your love, Amen.
Login to comment.