Acts 19:1-7

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ Then he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They answered, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them.

This piece of artwork is entitled Jesus Baptism and is by Woonbo Kim
Ki-chang of Korea. What strikes me in this artwork is the figures...
angels?... They are looking and watching as he is baptized. As in the baptism of Jesus, Paul in our scripture today also baptizes and for both of these experiences the Holy Spirit comes down and ‘comes upon’ them. They are infused with gifts of the spirit, in particular the gift to prophesy and speak in tongues. These gifts were given to those who had not ever even heard of the Holy Spirit and yet here was God showing up. They had not said the prayers that were deemed holy, they had not done the rituals required of the faith, and yet, the Holy Spirit comes upon them. This tells me that the Holy Spirit comes when, where, and how she is needed. Of course she comes in our baptisms and she also comes in our times of struggle. She comes to those who are clearly walking in faith and to those who have never even heard or uttered a prayer. Being created new does not require prior knowledge of anything in particular and having knowledge does not preclude the ability to be made new. As you look upon this depiction of baptism from Korea, also see into this newness of image what is new in you. How will you show up in 2021? Where is the spirit calling your name and bringing you to your gifts? How will you stand in the water with Jesus and allow the angels to gaze upon you? 

Pastor Leta