Introduction

The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.

This is the seventh of a series of weekly reflections with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him.

Rod Koehler, a member of the Spirit Driven Task Force Steering Committee, wrote this meditation.

Meditation

Acts 10:46b–48 says, “Then Peter asked, ‘Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.”

No Objections: No one can properly object when the Holy Spirit has clearly been involved. So Gentiles were baptized and their fellow Jewish and Gentile Christians had become friends and they shared their lives together in Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers the Word to convict their hearts and the Spirit is also the power behind their fellowship. They are one family, filled by the same Holy Spirit. They will break down barriers and live as one!

Prayer

Father in heaven, please forgive the petty things we keep doing against each other—whether at school, on the job, in our homes, or in our churches. Convict us, and call us to your holy grace so that we will remove the barriers between us and any of your followers who call upon your name. Amen.