Mark 1:9-15 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:9-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Verse 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. Verse 11And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Verse 12And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. Verse 13He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Verse 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, Verse 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
Devotion
Do you remember your baptism? I don't remember mine because I was 3 weeks old, but I have pictures from that day 55 years ago. I also have the special gown, cap and outer bunting that I wore on that very cold January morning. I love to take out the pictures and see the love on the faces of my parents while they held me over the baptismal font. I love to touch the gown that their hands touched on that day that I received the promise of new life in Christ.
And while I don't remember the physical day, I do remember my baptism every day. When I am in the shower, I feel the water pouring over my body, cleansing me from all the lies, hurt and broken promises that "stick" to me during the day. I remember that I am a beloved child of God. I have been called, claimed and washed new in the waters of baptism. And that is the only promise that truly "sticks" to me.
Prayer
Faithful God, thank you for the gift of baptism where I too have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise of life eternal. Amen.