THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 2:37-41
“The promise is for you and your children…” (Acts 2:39)
When Joel envisions the outpouring of the Spirit, children are included.
“Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders,
gather the children, those nursing at the breast.” (Joel 2:16)
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy!” (Joel 2:28)
I love the image of baptism, of a downpour of blessing.
When God pours out His Spirit, everyone gets drenched!
From saving Noah and his family, to Israel and their children.
God has always worked through households, and still does today.
The blessing of Jesus extends through parents to their children.
This does not rule out the need for a response.
But the priority is to God, He takes the first step!
For the rest of our lives we respond with repentance and faith!
Are we as free in sharing God’s grace to all, so they can respond too?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You have lavished grace on me; help me not to be stingy with Your grace, or to withhold it from the little children!
The promise is to families. God calls. Remember the parable of Jesus at the door knocking? Remember the call to Samuel? So too He calls you and me. All I need to do is accept that call and follow Him. He is Lord.
Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
2
Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storm and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
3
Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
4
Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into the joy and pleasure, Thine own,
Jesus, I come to Thee!
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the flock Thy love doth enfold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee!