Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (NRSV)
Read Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, Verse 16John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Verse 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Verse 21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, Verse 22and 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."
Devotion
One of the symbols of baptism is the dove – the dove that floats down from the sky and embodies the Holy Spirit. As a bird of the air it reminds us that God will meet our every need (Matthew 6:26). It recalls God’s promise to protect his creation (Genesis 8-9). And though the dove in this story doubtless soared away in minutes, when the Spirit lands on Jesus it does not leave. It permeates his being and fills his heart, his soul, his mind, his bones with its power.
Through our baptism that power is in us, too. It equips us to witness our faith to others. It calls us to go into the world and fight against the evil around us. It makes the message clear: “You are my beloved child. With you I am well pleased.”
But it also reminds us that our work is not done. As William Willimon writes, “Baptism is a one-time event that takes a lifetime to finish.” How can you live out your baptismal promises today?
Prayer
Lord, help me to claim the power you give me in my baptism. Fill me with your spirit, and lead me to do your will. Amen.