The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off. (Acts 2:39)
A worn, crumpled sheet of yellow paper falls to the floor, glides under a table, and hides. Quickly retrieving it, I scan the content for the umpteenth time. This personal treasure of mine contains “very great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4) gleaned and highlighted from Scripture during times of need, discouragement, and seeking direction. The document remains unfinished, hopeful for the moment when the Spirit again “highlights” just the right passage or promise needed.
Peter’s sermon about Christ’s promised gift of the Holy Spirit to believers was both convincing and convicting. As the Holy Spirit took over, the eyes and hearts of the people were enlightened to the fact that Jesus was both Lord and Christ. But desperate to understand, they asked how to respond. Peter laid it out for them in simple terms: repent, be baptized, and be forgiven—and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He added the incredible, all-inclusive statement that this promise was for all generations.
The contagious, driving force of the Spirit and spiritual energy can almost be felt just by reading this passage. It spread through the crowd, affecting everyone within hearing distance. Three thousand people joined this early movement of believers that day—a movement that started with only a few who believed in the promises of God. This became the beginning of Christ’s body, the church.
Make a list of the promises God speaks to you through his Word.
Jeanette Vermilya is ministry director at Shunem House. She has served with her husband, Jim, in overseas and pastoral ministry in The Wesleyan Church for over fifty-five years.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
