Baptized

 

Baptism

The water of the Jordan River was tepid and had the distinct smell of livestock as a young man called Jesus stepped into its knee deep flow. John stood reluctantly waiting. He knew this man. It was his half-first cousin by Elisabeth. Many years John had journeyed through the wilderness telling of the need for baptism to gain remission of sins. As he looked upon the only begotten Son of God, his soul cried out “unworthy.” I am so unworthy to perform this baptism.” Johns ministry and his life was nearing an end.

Mark 1:4 “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

Matthew 3:13 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Acts 1:22 “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Ephesians 4:5 “One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”1 Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”

Let us Christians not fall into the trap of believing baptism isn’t necessary in the sight of God. Clearly Jesus set the example for us to follow. Wherever and however it is possible, we must represent the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in our lives as an act of obedience as well as proof of our faith to others. Do all you can do to shine your spiritual light. Know God, know peace. 10-06-2020 BLL