Baptism

Mt. 3:16-17

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

It was as if John wasn't creating enough buzz with how he looked. He wore a camel's hair garment with a leather belt around his waist eating only locusts and wild honey. He was a unique man with a very special and short-lived mission. He was the voice in the wilderness, the man who fulfilled prophecy. If man had planned Jesus' ministry, I am sure it would not have included John. There would have probably been a summit between opposing sides and no end of provisions for all parties involved. Everyone would speak softly with no in-your-face exchanges. But it was not so with God. 

Earlier in this same chapter is the interchange between John and the Pharisees and Sadducees, the established religious faction. He began with tactful words, Not! Instead he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Yikes! No summit here. But John's words actually predated Christ's own words when he called them hypocrites, serpents, brood of vipers, blind guides and fools, greedy, self-indulgent, and white-washed tombs full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 

John clearly stated that he was less than the One to follow, that he was not even worthy enough to carry His sandals. He [Jesus Christ] would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. He would come with winnowing fork in hand to clear the threshing floor and get rid of the chaff. Then Jesus did come to John fulfilling righteousness as well as fulfill OT prophecies. When John baptized Jesus, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." How did John feel after this? Were there people watching this event? How monumental! Without a doubt Jesus' as the Son of God was established! 

Yet people did doubt. Much the same way that people doubt the word of God today. The word is the Logos, the living testament of Jesus Christ, but many dismiss it as make believe stories and just plain foolishness. No matter the revelation the heart of man is desperately evil. What man perceives is tied to who man is! Saved or unsaved!

Father,

Thank You for changing my identity from the inside out.  I am Your child. I believe and accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Open my eyes to see the lost around me. Give me boldness to share.

In Jesus name,

Amen