Baptism

Why do you think Jesus needed to be baptized by John?

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:13-17

John was confused at first, knowing who Jesus was.  He told Jesus the situation should be reversed, with Jesus doing the baptizing.

But even though it was John, a mere human, like one of us, performing the service, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus and affirmed who he was in relation to God.  So it is with us, when a baptized Christian calls upon God to affirm our relationship and have His Holy Spirit descend upon us.

This is a big deal for us Christians, not that it sets us apart or makes us different, but because it reminds us whose we are, and we affirm our knowledge of that relationship.

Of course if we are too young to make that affirmation ourselves, others do it for us, and then we have an opportunity later, when we know who we are, to claim what has already been given.

If someone does not know their relationship with God, and isn't aware of the power of calling on the Holy Spirit for help, shouldn't we want them to know about it?

If we feel it is no big deal, and so we don't see why we would share what we have, then maybe we need to get reacquainted with God.

Call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance.  Listen to what you hear God say.  And trust God to do what comes to your heart and soul.

Not easy?  

It gets easier when you have faith.

More to come...