Coming Together

     Please turn to Matthew 3:13-17.   Quite often Christians are baptized as infants.  On that day, we were welcomed into the church, which marks the beginning of our faith journeys.  We did not know the significance of the day then, nor understand the promises made on our behalf, but over time, I am hopeful we have.  

     John, baptized with water and explained that Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit.  Our receiving of the Holy Spirit is rooted in Christ’s own receiving of the Holy Spirit-which took place as Jesus was baptized.  Hence, why, Jesus who, never sinned, and had no need to repent was baptized.  Church, upon his baptism, Jesus repented for each of us.  In his baptism, Jesus became our substitute.  

     Baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace made by God through Jesus and extended to us. In baptism, God claims us as beloved children and members of Christ’s body, the church, washing us clean from sin as we renounce the power of evil and seek the will and way of God.  In baptism, we are called to a new way of life as Christ’s disciples, sharing the good news of the gospel with all the world.  How often do we focus on that promise?  How are we sharing the good news?  Are we telling our testimonies, thanking God publicly, offering prayer?  Are we responding like Jesus?  How do people know we are disciples?  Are we putting others first; forgoing our desires to help others, are we leaving our damaging ways behind and walking away from sin?  Are we stepping out of our comfort zone for Christ, inviting others to worship, welcoming those who join us, and putting Jesus first?  Consider this: we never know when people are watching.  Children soak up our mannerisms and our responses; like sponges they mimic our every move.  If we put God second or third, they will too.  Neighbors notice our actions and strangers make decisions based on our reactions.  If someone reenacted a scene of your life this week, would it be pointing to Jesus?  Would it be pleasing or an oops?  Did we have an opportunity to shine for Jesus and choose to stay neutral, walk away, or not respond?  How often might we forget that we are representing Jesus. 

     In our baptism, we assumed a big job, you and I are representatives, ambassadors of Christ.  We need to look for Christ at work and to look for places to join in Christ’s mission.  God uses us everywhere:  at the office, in the pub, on the phone, at the doctor, on the street, in the neighborhood, at the park, at the store, on the plane.  We need to avail ourselves to God.  

Here they are questions asked during the sacrament of baptism.

• Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?  

• Who is your Lord and Savior?  

• Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love?  

     God sent his son; his son saved us.  As we were washed clean, we were restored.  It is important to remember that sacrament of baptism does not save us, God does.  We are not baptized, saved and then off on our own – we are baptized into the life of the church to continue on our faith journey.  

     As we are baptized, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and receive the anointing of the Spirit our advocate, helper and intercessor.  The Spirit empowers us with gifts for ministry.   What are your gifts?  How are you using your gifts to serve?  As we trust in the Spirit, we are empowered and become equipped to serve, to work and to share God’s love.  

      Finally, verse 17 reads, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”  Christ was sent to save us, and in obedience he did and this pleased the Father.  We too are God’s children and in us God is well pleased.  I invite you this week to repeat this phrase, say, “I am a precious child of God.”  

      I do not believe that Matthew’s account was written to explain baptism or to offer history, it was recorded to highlight Jesus’ commitment to God’s plan for the security, welfare and benefit of each of us, God’s children.  Jesus took on our sin and was baptized for us.  God chose us.

       In the sacrament of baptism—we are included in the covenant of grace, incorporated into the life of Christ, and are anointed with the gifts of the Spirit.  When we were baptized, we shared in Christ’s own baptism. So, remember your baptism; be grateful and live life as Christ’s representative.  And all God’s people say, amen!

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry  

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