Thursday, May 7, 2015

The Baptism Scene

When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As He was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son. I take delight in You!  Luke 3:21-22 HCSB

This is how I picture of this event—the Trinity was all present. John had just lowered Jesus into the water and raised Him up. They are standing there in the Jordan River. Jesus is dripping wet, and glowing with the rebirth that every believer experiences when they are baptized. Then the Heavens open—clouds part—and a beam of light shines down onto the Jordan River. The water is reflecting Jesus with John standing next to Him.  A gleaming white dove swoops down from Heaven—and lands on Jesus’ shoulder. I imagine that in an instant the dove is huge and spreads its wings around Jesus enfolding Him ever so briefly—that if you blinked you would miss the spectacle. The Holy Spirit now lives within Jesus the man. As the Heavens opened a booming voice spoke with heartfelt clarity, warmth and love to Jesus. You are My beloved Son. I take delight in You!  Jesus pleased His Father with His obedience. 

If you were standing on the Jordan River bank that day what would you have seen? How would this baptism be any different from any other? Oh, but wait. It is different. This is the Son of God being baptized and like most fathers, He wanted to be there with His Son—so He spoke to Him from Heaven. You are My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased! Has your son or daughter been baptized? Were you there for them? Have you taught them to be obedient? Do you encourage them as they walk daily with the Lord?  

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, please guide and direct us as parents that we would teach our children and grandchildren about You, Your Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. May we not only plant the seeds within their hearts, but lead them into praying for Salvation for themselves…and encourage them to be baptized, just as Jesus was.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

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