Post by Woody Williams on Jan 8, 2006 6:45:17 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Mark 1:4-11
----------
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism
of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole
Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to
him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their
sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt
around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed,
'The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not
worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have
baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy
Spirit.'
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by
John in the Jordan. And 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. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with
you I am well pleased.'
Devotional
----------
The appearance of John the Baptist on the scene was a sigh of a new
beginning about to appear. Many responded to John's call for
repentance and came forward for baptism as a sign of that repentance.
In the midst of John's ministry Jesus appears and receives baptism
from John. John is clear about who Jesus is and who he is. There is
no competition here. There is preparation and fulfillment. John
baptizes with water as a sign of repentance. Jesus will baptize with
the Holy Spirit. Jesus' baptism, with the sign of the dove and the
Father's voice, is a sign of what follows in Christian baptism. God
will claim those baptized in Jesus' name as God's own children.
Celebrate your baptism. It is a marvelous gift.
Prayer
--------------
It is with joy that I give thanks to you, O Lord, for claiming me as
your child. Amen
----------
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism
of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole
Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to
him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their
sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt
around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed,
'The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not
worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have
baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy
Spirit.'
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by
John in the Jordan. And 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. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with
you I am well pleased.'
Devotional
----------
The appearance of John the Baptist on the scene was a sigh of a new
beginning about to appear. Many responded to John's call for
repentance and came forward for baptism as a sign of that repentance.
In the midst of John's ministry Jesus appears and receives baptism
from John. John is clear about who Jesus is and who he is. There is
no competition here. There is preparation and fulfillment. John
baptizes with water as a sign of repentance. Jesus will baptize with
the Holy Spirit. Jesus' baptism, with the sign of the dove and the
Father's voice, is a sign of what follows in Christian baptism. God
will claim those baptized in Jesus' name as God's own children.
Celebrate your baptism. It is a marvelous gift.
Prayer
--------------
It is with joy that I give thanks to you, O Lord, for claiming me as
your child. Amen