The Baptism of Our Lord – January 9, 2005

Matthew 3:13-17

             Have you noticed the power of water? Certainly, the tsunami waves of South Asia remind us once again that water can have huge destructive and killing power. About 150,000 people have died in and since the tsunami hit. We are told more will die affected by the disease, dirty water and lack of food left behind by this devastating event.

             Have you noticed that water has not only the power to destroy and kill, but it also is absolutely necessary for life? Pastoral visits happened each month for Mary. Every visit a bottle of water sat before her on the dining room table. When asked why it was there month after month Mary explained that her doctor insisted she have eight bottles of water each day. That should be her minimum intake. Without it, the doctor explained, she might become dehydrated and become ill.  So Mary kept track by using her bottle. Mary’s experience is not an isolated happening. Many older people living alone do not drink enough fluids. They often become dehydrated and ill. Water is essential to life. Daily drinking of water is mandatory for everyone.

             Have you noticed that water not only has the power to destroy and kill, and not only is it essential to life, but water also has the power to save? Water, used together with God’s holy Word, forms Holy Baptism. This is the day on which we celebrate the baptism of our Lord Jesus. It is also the day on which we will baptize Sarah.

             Water is so very powerful. When it touches us in Holy Baptism, together with God’s Word, it forgives all our sin. It is a power that gives life and gives it abundantly.

             We know this because at his baptism God proclaimed Jesus to be “…my Son, the Beloved…”

             Note that Jesus is claimed by God to be the very Son of God. The baptism of Jesus took place long before DNA tests or any other test to determine who your father is. So that all may know, God speaks plainly: “This is my Son.” And you know that the promised Son of God is the messiah, the savior of all. The prophets have told us. He is the one who comes to forgive all our sin. This is God serving us. This is God coming to us in Holy Baptism, with grace and mercy, forgiving us.

             But, Jesus is not only proclaimed to be the Son of God, he is also proclaimed to be the “Beloved son.” Do remember the other beloved son of scripture was Isaac. Now, Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah. But, not just a son; Isaac was the beloved son of Abraham and Sarah. Recall the story? God tested the faith of Abraham by asking him to take Isaac to a remote place and sacrifice him. Abraham you will recall was obedient and as he raised the knife to plunge it into his son, God stopped him and offered a ram to replace Isaac. Thus it is that Abraham becomes the great model of faith in the scriptures. Abraham is one who is obedient to God.

             With Jesus we know that he obediently went to the cross. Obediently he took on himself the sin of all and in his death and resurrection grants all forgiveness and life. So, as we are baptized into the beloved, into Jesus, as Sarah is this morning, we are given the gift of the cross, the gift of forgiveness and resurrected life. Forgiveness and life are the very gifts of Holy Baptism.

             The waters of baptism are so powerful that in our baptism we are transformed into the faithful who proclaim the Beloved Son as savior of all. It is baptism that indelibly marks us as God’s own people. God’s people are a called people, to let the Light shine, to let the good news of Jesus as Lord and Savior be proclaimed.

             Thursday evening as worship ended on the Day of the Epiphany we stood around the burning bonfire and watched the greens of Christmas burn as fuel for the fire. As we sang Christmas Carols the flames would rise and push away the darkness, giving light. The calling of the baptized is to take that Light, Jesus himself, which defeats the darkness into the world. You are carriers of the Light.

             This calling to share to share Jesus in the darkness of our world is a privilege and a joy. I recall what a great privilege it was to be called by our Virginia Synod to begin a new congregation in Woodbridge. It is humbling to be called to be a mission pastor. I visited 3,263 homes and knocked on their doors. A decade went by and I was called to Charlottesville. At the mission there were 225 believers worshipping on an average Sunday. What a privilege to be part of that growth. It is the privilege of every believer to invite others. That is your calling.

             It is also a joy. It is a joy because we are putting Jesus first. Then we are putting others second. And only third do we fit in the priorities. If you take the “J” of Jesus, the “O” of others and the “Y” of you, it spells joy. Jesus, others, you: these are the priorities that lead to a life of great rejoicing. These are your priorities as you seek others in the Name of Jesus. These are the priorities the powerful waters of baptism place before you.

             Each day, as you encounter water, whether it is a glass of water with a meal, or a lake to swim in, remember your baptism, the mercy of God, and the calling you have: the joy and privilege of inviting others to know Jesus as Lord. Amen.

• Pastor Robert F. Holley