Affirmation and Calling

The privilege of ordaining and affirming
one's calling. 

Scripture:

Luke 3:21   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.”

Observation:

Luke changes up the story of Jesus’ baptism just a little from Matthew and Mark. He does not specifically mention John doing the baptizing. However, he does include Jesus with all the others, but recognizes that Jesus’ baptism is different. 

Jesus was praying as he was being baptized. Again, Luke doesn’t make clear whether everyone present heard the voice, or saw the Spirit. Luke seems to place an emphasis upon Jesus’ understanding of his own baptism. Heaven is opened, signifying the connection between heaven and earth. Jesus’ divine and human nature are both symbolized in this moment of baptism. Then, the Holy Spirit comes and in contrast to the others whom we have met in Luke’s gospel, the Spirit does not hover, but descends upon him in such a way that either Jesus, both Jesus and the crowd can see it in a bodily form. This comes after John has preached that Jesus’ baptism will be different, with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The significance of this visual in Jesus’ baptism is important. 

The voice from heaven is another affirmation of who Jesus really is. This may be a reminder that even Jesus needed affirmation of his identity and calling from his Father. 

Application:

I’m guessing that if most of us were really honest, there are days that we have doubts. Circumstances press in around us and we may begin to question our place in this world and our walk with the Lord. It’s in those moments that it’s good to recognize that even the Son of God needed affirmation of who he was and of his calling. 

Jesus went out into the wilderness to find the preacher of the day and to listen to his words. Sometimes we need to slow down enough to allow for a time of spiritual renewal. Sitting under the preaching of those who are being used as God’s instruments can help to affirm our calling as a child of God. This is why we need to go to church (physically or virtually) on a regular basis. We are a people who need to listen to the proclaimed word of God. 

Jesus’ response to John’s preaching wasn’t because he needed to be made holy, but because this was part of his journey of obedience. I’m afraid that we don’t use the altar that much in the church anymore — especially with this pandemic. I’m worried that we may be losing something along the way because there are times in our spiritual journey when we just need that special moment with God. Jesus had to step into the waters of baptism as a part of his journey. We may need another trip to the altar in a special moment of prayer and recommitment to the spiritual walk and journey. This used to happen on a regular basis in the church, but over the last few decades, the practice has begun to fade. What if Jesus had avoided the preacher and the baptism? 

Affirmation and calling also come from the presence of the Holy Spirit. This lighting of the dove on Jesus was a visible sign of the presence of God. I’m hungry today for God’s holy presence in my life. 

Prayer:

Lord, Thank you for the moments of encouragement and affirmation. Help me to humbly come before you when I am in need of being re-encouraged. Amen.