By Andrew Williams
As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
Acts of the Apostles 8:36, 38 NLT
Good morning fellow disciples.
Petition: something asked or requested, an earnest request.
Phillip the evangelist had just shared the gospel with Ethiopian eunuch. Maybe he said something like what Peter said In Acts of the Apostles 2:38 NLT: Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1. Repent of your sins,
2. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and
3. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Many of us confessed our sins and accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, then waited for a while for our pastors to tell us when to be baptized. Some of us got baptized the same night or day that we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
In both instances we were told by our leaders when to get baptized. But here we see this Ethiopian eunuch being proactive and telling Phillip that he wanted to be baptized, NOW!
I remember petitioning my pastor to be baptized. Maybe my petitioning was not earnest enough because I had to wait months before I could be baptized.
My fellow believers, the formula is simple: repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit. Are you still waiting to be baptized?
Earnestly request to be baptized by your leader. Now go and get baptized!
Prayer: Father God, let us be like this Ethiopian eunuch who understood and accepted the Gospel, and then petitioned Philip the evangelist for what was needed.
Help us to make the earnest request for baptism for those who have not yet done it, whether it be us or someone else. Amen.
