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
I think it is easy with these last verses of chapter 10 to get caught up in how or who the Holy Spirit does or does not work or touch. Or how baptism does or doesn't work. I think we could piece this apart to look for theology and dogma regarding baptism and faith.
Or, like the believers who came with Peter, we could be astounded.
Astounded that God doesn't do things the way we'd necessarily do them.
The way we'd expect them.
The way even sometimes that we WANT them.
Does God astound you?
Do you wonder in amazement at each day?
At each breath?
At the very life that bubbles up from you?
Are you astounded when enemies make peace?
When tragedy leads to hope?
When death brings about life?
The Holy Spirit enlivens just like your very breath enlivens you.
It enlivens even those you might not even notice or think about.
Or even those you might not like.
During the pandemic and in the midst of the national and global crises we've seen, there have been stories of hope coming from tragedy. There have been moments when death brought about new life.
And that is astounding.
It's easy to forget that sometimes when the news seems consistently hopeless.
But don't forget to be astounded every day by a Spirit who is life itself.
Holy Spirit, blow your life into me that I may be astounded daily by your works! Amen.
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