Those of us in the business of missions like to talk about exponential growth. The idea that whatever I’m helping lead will take off and expand beyond my dreams, or at least beyond my efforts, never quite fades.

But nothing I’ve ever seen compares to the explosion of growth the early church experienced shortly after the resurrection. The Holy Spirit arrived in a violent wind, then enabled the disciples to speak a whole mess of languages. They declared the wonders of God to every person present in their native tongue.

Peter preached a magnificent sermon, culminating with this charge: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.

The best part of this for me? The promise extending to all who are far off. Peter announced the world-wide intentions of this young body. The message spread to the furthest horizons.

I stand far off from the time and place and culture where Peter preached, and so this promise applies to me. And to you. And to all who fill our great big world.

That’s a solid message to enjoy, and to preach, as Easter approaches.

Acts 2 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Michał Mancewicz