Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21–22 Jesus begins His active earthly ministry taking His place right alongside us in the water of His Baptism. There He laid aside His own divine powers to take on our powerlessness so that, enabled by the Holy Spirit, He could take on our sin and death into Himself to destroy it by His atoning death on the cross and victorious resurrection. Now to all who are baptized in His name He gives the power of His holiness and gift of eternal life. The Spirit, the Word, and yes, the water is our connection with His life, and by faith in Him, we are already citizens of our heavenly home even before we get there in body and soul. What confidence is ours to live by God’s power and grace.
BIBLE READINGS: Isaiah 43:1-7 Romans 6:1-11 Luke 3:15-22