Weekly Devotion

The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.  But John tried to talk him out of it.  “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.”  So John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Matthew 3:13-17 [NLT]

I was 12 years old when I was baptized (full immersion) in a small Baptist church in Fulton, New York.  We had a great swimming hole in the creek that bordered my parents’ property, and I asked my Pastor to baptize me there – a lot like Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River, I thought.  But he said no; I don’t think he wanted to get muddy.  It turned out OK; I did feel different as I came up out of the water and believed I would do great things for God.

As we remember and reflect on our own baptism this week that celebrates Jesus’ being baptized by John, ask yourself this:  Are you living into the promises you made on that day?  Are you fulfilling God’s purposes for you?  

If you’re unsure, spend an hour or two alone with God.  Seek His guidance.  He will lead you if you ask and pay attention.  First, remember the Great Commandment – Love God, love others and then the Great Commission – GO! and make disciples of all people.  You don’t have to go to a foreign country to make disciples; perhaps you only have to go next door or across the street.  Use your spiritual gifts and the talents that God gave you to accomplish God’s purpose for you.  “For we are God’s masterpiece.  He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”  Ephesians 2:10

Pray:

Gracious God, thank you for this rare glimpse of the Trinity together.  Please help us to remember those promises we made and to live into them as we serve and love You and others.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.