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 my varied working life I have been at times an elementary music teacher, a hospital chaplain, an information technology assistant with the Federal Government, a volunteer, and a participant in my family. Since I have been blind my entire life—and have lost hearing throughout my adult life—I have had to make adaptations for doing the everyday things I would otherwise do with full sight and hearing. Thankfully, I have had wonderful family and friends who have supported me through the tough times of life. Most significantly, my faith in the Lord Jesus has continued to carry me through all the successes and trials to this point in my life.
When Jesus began his earthly ministry, difficult times were upon him as well. After his baptism, he set about fulfilling his mission, calling the twelve who would become his disciples Here at the beginning of his ministry Jesus' heavenly Father demonstrated the love to him that he in turn would demonstrate to his followers. We today have that example to lean on as a model of discipleship. We can truly know how to walk in a challenging and uncertain world with the encouragement God gives to his own Son and to his disciples: "You are my Son in whom I am well pleased."
Prayer
Lord Jesus, stimulate us by the simple but powerful way that you began your earthly ministry. Demonstrate your love, faithfulness, and understanding of our life circumstances as you bring us into unique ministry undertakings that are empowered by your Spirit. Amen.