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
In 2013 my congregation is focusing its energy on creating a place for all to serve. Serving is meant to be more than ‘one more thing on the calendar’ or ‘something you do so you don’t feel guilty.’ It’s about finding – in the words of Frederick Buechner – the place where the world’s deep hunger and your deep gladness meet. It’s about figuring out what you really love to do that also helps your neighbor.
Here’s the thing: that ‘figuring out’ really starts in baptism. It starts with the relationship we have with God. That means believing that God has created us in God’s image – that is, with a heart that can love and hands that can help. It means knowing that God has claimed us in baptism and that we have a permanent place in God’s family. It means trusting that God has blessed us so that we can bless the world – which is exactly what God expects us to do with our lives.
Prayer
Gracious God, I have been baptized. I am different. I am yours. Help me figure out what that means, and why it matters. Amen.