January 9th - Reflection

Baptism of Our Lord
Matthew 3:13-17 (NRSV)
Christ revealed as God's servant

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

Reflection
Jesus came to John to be baptized. Jesus had no need to repent, but Jesus still came to John to be baptized. Jesus did not need to repent or turn back to God. Jesus was God. But baptism is of such importance that Jesus came to John to be baptized. When Jesus came up out of the water, Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove. Body and Spirit of God now together to begin a wonderful mission and plan of salvation. Jesus, Son of man and now also Son of God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit unite in baptism.

So as you recall baptism, recall the coming together of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Recall the waters of baptism, the earthly element, bathed on you and the descent of God onto you as you begin your ministry as well. God has come. God has come to you in flesh and spirit. God is with you and in you and beside you and all around you surrounding you in the waters of salvation. God wraps you in the waters of life to protect and guard you and to lead and guide you. Under that water your old self died and came up new and are now alive in God. Alive to do great works on heaven and on earth. Alive in those living waters. Alive in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, just as so many of your people passed through waters to new life, I rejoice in the day I passed through the waters. I rejoice in the day that my old flesh died and came up out of the water to new life. Send now your Holy Spirit to descend on me and your Church, that all may be renewed in the water of life that you provide. You are God! You are with us...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen