Photo of the Jordan River by Rev. Eradio Valverde, Jr.
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4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:4-11 NIV)
Happy New Year, dear Friend! I pray that this be a most awesome year for you and yours! May God bless us to the point of our becoming blessings to others! As we pray today, please pray for The Rev. Alicia Campos, wife of The Rev. Francisco Campos, who is entering hospice care due to her failing liver. The Campos are long time friends and colleagues of ours, and we value them a lot. May God bless them with comfort, peace, and hope. We pray for a miracle for Alicia. Also, may we pray for the healing of a baby in the Valley named Emma. She has had nonstop fevers and she is unable to move her body. Pray that doctors find out what is wrong with her to bring her healing. If she does not imporve soon, she will be airflighted to Corpus Christ's Driscoll's Childrens Hospital. Thank you for your prayers! May this be our best year ever in terms of our spiritual growth, our service and compassion to others; so that Christ will be proud of us!
Friday, March 9, 2018, Nellie and I, along with a group of young pastors and their spouses, stood on the banks of the Jordan River. On the far bank, a Palestinian soldier, armed with a machine gun stood watch over the entrance into his country. On the bank on which we stood, an Israeli soldier, also armed with a similar machine gun, stood watch on his entrance into Israel. These two guards were very young men, "kids" said my mind to me only. What they were guarding was a sacred place; once referred to, as we read, "the wilderness," where the call of the wilderness drew God's messenger, John the Baptizer to proclaim his message, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven has drawn near!" A contemporary prophet for his time, dressed as one, shouting out an invitation to all who would hear the need they had to turn their sins over to God. He was successful for Mark writes, "The whole Judaean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him." And John's message continued, "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Then, we read where Jesus presents Himself for baptism by his cousin; and as He emerges up from the water, Heaven opened and from the skies comes the Holy Spirit as a dove. And a voice from Heaven said, "You are my Son, Whom I love; with You I am well pleased." I must add that on that morning we stood with open mouths at this site, there flies by a white dove.
On that day that Mark writes about, a voice cried out; John the Baptist comes from years in the wilderness, dressed as a prophet in camel's hair and a diet of locust, shouting a message calling people to right their relationship with God. His image and message went directly against the religious leaders of his day. John's message was for all people, not limited to the "righteous" as defined by the leaders; he called for a complete and total change of heart and direction, which would prepare the way for the One who was to come.
Add to this, we find Jesus, the Son of God Himself, standing alongside the sinners who presented themselves for this baptism, and we see that this was an act of humility; Jesus, the sinless man, standing side to side with humanity, which signifies His identity to the brokenness of humans, and their (our) need for redemption. His baptism serves as a symbol of His oneness with us; His commitment to sharing in our journey of transformation.
Following Jesus' baptism, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him like a dove. This is a momentous occasion, a tangible manifestation of God's presence and power. It serves as a confirmation of Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the chosen one, and prepares him for the challenges and trials that lie ahead.
Friends, here's what we need to know: We are called to examine our lives and turn away from anything and everything that stands in the way of our relationship with God. The baptism of Jesus serves to remind us to be aware of the true greatness that lies in humility and service, not in pride or self-importance. And lastly, the presence of the Holy Spirit is with us and reminds us we are not alone in our journey; The Holy Spirit is with us, to guide us and empower us as we seek to follow and serve Jesus, Our Lord.
PRAYER: Loving God, open our hearts to the message of the wilderness as we ask that you grant us the courage to repent and turn away from anything that hinders our relationship with You. Fill us with the humility of Christ and empower us with the Holy Spirit to follow You in all things; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be inspired by the call of the wilderness to do that which we need.
Receive my love and thankfulness to God for You!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
