10th. September. 2021. Daily Devotion.
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?’
15 Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ Matthew 3:13-17
No explanation or commentary can add anything to the wonderful moment when Christ arises from the water of the River Jordan. He is met by a physical manifestation of both the Holy Spirit, as a visible sign, and God the Father, as an audible sign. Christ, the man, is the actual, physical Son of God. It is the moment when he is fully revealed to us.
The dove, among the Jews (as among many societies), was the symbol of purity of heart, harmlessness, and gentleness. For the Spirit to descend on Jesus as a dove signified the startling truth: the Messiah was far from the sword-wielding belligerent, the mighty general to unite the armies of Israel against their Roman oppressor, that the Jews were expecting.
Lord Jesus, let me never take your life and sacrifice for granted, but always appreciate fully your love in coming to us. Amen.
Prayer in Times of Low Spirits (from Psalm 42)
Like a deer thirsts for the water of a clear cool stream, my soul thirsts for you, my God. I await with longing the day when I may finally appear before you. I sometimes become unhappy; my spirit becomes downcast, as my enemies deny you and mock me; and yet, always, I discover the joy of your Spirit and turn my face to you, and you heal me.
By day you command my steadfast love, and by night your song comes to me. The wickedness of the world taunts me and evil people put a bullet in my back, saying “Where is your God”? But why are you in turmoil, oh my soul? My hope is in God. I will turn again to you, my Lord, and praise you, my salvation and my God. Amen.
My own difficulties to lead me to be sensitive to others
Lord our God, you have made me in your own likeness, and you love all that you have made. I thank you for all that has been positive in my life. I ask that I may live in such a way that I may learn from whatever I may find is negative or hurtful in my life. May my disabilities and weaknesses teach me how to be sensitive to individuals, that I may grow more caring and compassionate for others who experience difficulties. May I grow in strength of character through all that happens to me, living fully each day. Amen.
Meditation
We aren’t called to be like other Christians; we are called to be like Christ.