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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 6, 2007 The Baptism of Jesus |
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Frontline Devotion for Saturday, January 6, 2007 by Susan Hill
Luke 3: 21-22
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
One mantra of our choir director is, “You can’t have Christmas without Good Friday!” In truth, we sing Christmas anthems that rejoice at the birth of the baby but then transition to a verse about the coming darkness of the cross. It is Epiphany, Christ has come. The light of the world is among us. Where is the cross? It is present in the birth, and it is in our reading today.
The time has come when God anoints Jesus as Messiah saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved.” It is in his baptism that Jesus is claimed by God for the work that God intends for him on this earth. God publicly accepts Jesus for God’s holy plan, and Jesus, in return, accepts the role that will ultimately lead him to the cross. This baptismal experience is a two-way affirmation of belonging and obedience, signed by water and sealed by the Spirit.
Theologian Walter Bruggemann says that God and Jesus simply say “yes” to one another at Jesus’ baptism. He also says that our baptismal response to God is often less affirming, more ambiguous than Jesus’. Saying “yes” back to God requires sacrifice, and we are not anxious to accept the cost. The way we use our time, our money, our gifts, our relationships – if we say “yes” – must reflect our prayerful commitment to God. The whole idea makes us squirm, and we are more likely to say, “I’ll think about it” or “maybe.”
I am trying something this week. I want to remember, when I use water, that the waters of baptism are a sign of God’s holy bond. It’s a bond that washes me – and you – every day and invites me - and you - to share in God’s work. I wonder what songs I will sing during and after this exercise? What about you?
Prayer: God of love, we pray that we may be a blessing to others in your name because of our baptisms. As you have said “yes” to us, may we say ”yes” to others; others created and beloved by you. Thank you for the signs of your love by which we live – the waters of forgiveness, your body and blood. In Jesus’ name, Amen.The Baptism of Jesus
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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