Conrad M. Thompson, formerly the...
Illustration
Conrad M. Thompson, formerly the featured speaker on Lutheran Vespers, once told the story of an artist standing along a beautiful river in France where he was painting a picture of the landscape. A group of children came by and watched the artist as he caught the beauty of the clouds, the river, and the trees with his brushes. Finally, one of the girls in the group could not contain her enthusiasm any longer, and asked, "Mister, can you get us into the picture?"
Philip was sent by God to the city of Samaria to preach and to heal and to baptize. The trouble was, Samaritans were not liked by the people of Jerusalem. In fact, many hated them with a passion. What did God think about this? John and Peter were sent up from Jerusalem to check it out. They placed their hands on them, and the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit. Through the loving touch of the apostles, God said that he wants different people -- even Samaritans -- in the picture.
Through the waters of baptism and the loving touch of caring Christians, God still says to people of all nations and races: "I want you in the picture, too. Come unto me, all ..."
Philip was sent by God to the city of Samaria to preach and to heal and to baptize. The trouble was, Samaritans were not liked by the people of Jerusalem. In fact, many hated them with a passion. What did God think about this? John and Peter were sent up from Jerusalem to check it out. They placed their hands on them, and the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit. Through the loving touch of the apostles, God said that he wants different people -- even Samaritans -- in the picture.
Through the waters of baptism and the loving touch of caring Christians, God still says to people of all nations and races: "I want you in the picture, too. Come unto me, all ..."
