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15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 NRSV Bible)
Dear Friend, a blessed New Year be yours is my prayer for you. Make it a great year by taking it day by day, trusting, praying, waiting and praising God. You matter to God and to many, and those who matter to God can make a difference in their lives and in the lives of those around you. Be the light the world needs to see by you being the best you you can! As we pray today, please pray for the families of two of God's fine and faithful servants; The Rev. Del Brown of San Marcos and The Rev. Dick West of San Angelo. Del was a retired pastor active in my congregation of FUMC-San Marcos, and Dick was a dear and trusted friend and colleague. We pray for God's comfort upon their families during this difficult time.
This passage could be a New Year's passage as many people around us are filled with expectation and, like those who had just heard John the Baptist's sermon, were "questiongin in their hearts" about what could be next. Many in that crowd expected John to declare to be the Messiah or to at least point out who the Messiah might be. But John was not finished yet, for his next words declared the answer. His words on the baptism he was presenting was all about water, a washing away of the old, and the arrival of the new; but this was but the first of what was needed; John declared the Messiah would be One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. This was a turning point. It is not just a ritual of repentance, but a symbolic passing of the baton, a divine anointing for the mission ahead. As John the Baptist stood in the wilderness, baptizing the people, he made it clear: "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming." John, knowing his role, humbly declared that the One to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, symbols of purification, empowerment, and divine presence.
The people, filled with expectation, were eager to know if John was the Messiah. But John made it clear that he was only preparing the way. His words pointed beyond himself to the one who would come to fulfill God's ultimate plan. This wasn't just about water; it was about transformation—being immersed in the Spirit, purified by fire, and equipped for a life of holiness and power.
In verses 21-22, the scene shifts to Jesus' baptism. Although Jesus had no sin to repent of, He identified with humanity's brokenness and entered the waters of baptism. This was the moment when heaven broke open. The Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice declared, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." This divine affirmation of Jesus is not just for Him—it is a model for all believers. It is through the Holy Spirit that we, too, receive our calling and identity as God's beloved.
This passage speaks to us in profound ways: Like the people who were awaiting the Messiah, we too must live in a posture of expectant waiting for God to move in our lives. This can be a season of prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit to fill us anew. John’s declaration that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire speaks of both purification and power. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that reflects God’s holiness, while fire refines us, burning away the impurities in our hearts. The voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism affirms His identity. In the same way, God calls us His children, His beloved. When we live in the fullness of this identity, we step into the calling God has placed upon our lives.
As we reflect on these truths, may we remember that our identity, like Jesus', is rooted in God’s love. And just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, we too are invited to receive the same Spirit—to live empowered, to live holy, and to live with the assurance that we are deeply loved by our Father.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who purifies, empowers, and guides us. Just as You spoke to Jesus at His baptism, declaring Him Your Beloved, we ask that You remind us of our identity in You. We long to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be transformed by Your fire, that we might live lives worthy of Your calling. May we wait with expectant hearts for Your work to be done in and through us. Empower us to walk in the truth of who we are—Your beloved children. In Jesus' strong name, we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time today to reflect on your baptism, whether it was a moment in your past or a reality you are still seeking. Ask God to fill you anew with His Holy Spirit. Let this be a season of purification and empowerment as you open your heart to His refining fire. Walk with the confidence that you are God's beloved child, and seek to live out that identity every day.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
