Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16

Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:38-39

We have all heard “sticks and stones may break my bones, but WORDS will never hurt me.” Of course words can hurt us – Overly critical words, lies, words that incite violence – all these can hurt us. At the same time, words can be very helpful and healing. Words from a therapist, words we hear of praise and congratulations, words that urge us to help others.

Today’s verses are about words that are the good and wonderful kind. Jeremiah listens to the Lord, and writes that those words he hears are of joy. He delights in the words of the Lord. Why? Because he realizes that he has been called by God, by the name of God. His response is to praise the Lord. Then he continues to prophesy to the people, sharing these words.

In Acts, Philip encounters a eunuch who doesn’t understand what he is reading in the Hebrew texts. This Ethiopian official is traveling home from Jerusalem, and the Spirit tells Philip to go and talk to him.  Philip explains the words, and shares the Good News with him. Those are wonderful words, joyous words. The eunuch is inspired to be baptized right then and there. The workings of the Holy Spirit are beyond our understanding, but the Spirit is at work in our world still.

Creator God, Name above all names, may your words bring joy and delight to all who hear and follow them. We pray that we also may be baptized in your name and receive the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey of faith. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party