Wed.’s Devo - Baptism of Fire

Read: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:23; Acts 2:1-47; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 16:19-20 Samuel 22 is repeated word for word in Psalm 18. It is a Messianic Psalm and was written by David when God rescued him from all his enemies. It was Jesus’ prayer when God rescued him from death on the cross. *** Verse 8 begins talking about how the earth quaked and the heavens shook when God, cloaked in darkness, came down and fought off Satan and his beings. This war happened in those three hours on the cross when the sky went black and the earth shook. *** It sounds like a trial took place and Jesus got to plead his case. He didn’t do that on earth - he had remained quiet, but not in God’s court. It was not just a trial, but a war that took place. God armed Jesus with strength to fight and he subdued all his enemies, trampling them to dust. God was his salvation. *** These words were true for David who was saved from Absalo - his enemy in his own household, and the enemies all around him. *** David’s three mightiest warriors were named. Their names mean: 1 - the people will return to wisdom, 2 - God helps those he loves, 3 - I will increase the removal of those who curse. What a message for us! *** David tells the story of how he and his men were hiding in a stronghold about to attack the Philistines who had taken over Bethlehem. He voiced how he would love to have some of the water from the well by the gate of Bethlehem. Three of his men risked their lives to go and get him some. When they gave it to him, he refused to drink it because it represented their lives. He poured it out as an offering to the Lord to commemorate their lives. Abishai and Benaiah were mentioned for their exploits. God never forgets what we do for him. Everything is recorded in his books and will be read on the day of judgment. That will be a day of judgment for the wicked and rewards for the faithful. *** In Acts, the day of Pentecost had arrived. It was always 50 days after Passover. For us, that will be April 1st. *** The believers were meeting together when suddenly, they heard a sound from heaven that sounded like a wind blowing really hard. It came in the house and filled it. Flames were lit on everyone of them and they began speaking with tongues. This was Jesus’ baptism of fire. *** Many were in Jerusalem for the festival and they heard the wind and came running. They heard the friends of Jesus all speaking in their languages. They were amazed that they could speak the languages of places they had never been before. *** People who didn’t know they were actually speaking languages accused them of being drunk. Peter then stood up to defend what God was doing. He told them they were not drunk, but they were witnessing the prophecy of Joel who said that in the last days, God would pour out his Spirit upon all people and those of all ages would witness who he is. Then, Peter gave a sermon explaining who Jesus was and how he died, but God raised him back to life. Then he told them what David had said about Jesus - God would not leave his soul among the dead or let his body rot in the grave. David wasn’t talking about himself, but Jesus. God did raise Jesus to be our Lord and Messiah. *** Peter’s words pierced their soul and they asked what they could do now. He told them to repent of their sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus. Then they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand listened to Peter and believed and were baptized. The apostles did many miracles and began meeting together regularly. They shared meals together, and each day others were brought into the family of God. *** Lord, thank you that we are returning to those days where your Spirit is moving in your people. May our eyes be open to opportunities to shine your light for others. Baptize us with fresh fire.