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
“Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” With those words, a promise is confirmed, and an identity publicly declared. In the waters of baptism, God claims us as God’s very own, names us as a member of the family, and promises never to let go of us.
“You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” With those words, a promise to all humankind is confirmed, an identity of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God is publicly declared.
As God claimed, named and publicly identified Jesus as God’s very own, so in the waters of baptism are we claimed, named and identified so that the entire world knows to Whom we belong.
Gentle reader, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Rejoice!
Prayer
Dear Jesus, as you have named and claimed us in the waters of baptism, challenge us to live our identity and purpose in you. Move us from the font to the frontlines of your world, that we may be messengers of hope and promise in your name. Amen.