Scripture - Luke 3:21-22 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, "You are my beloved Son; In You I am well pleased."
Observation - This scripture always reminds me of my own baptism. Being recently converted their came a moment when the pastor announced the baptism service for that Sunday evening. I was adamant that I had already been baptized as an infant and didn't need to go through the ritual again. Arriving home from the morning service a deep sleep came over me. I don't usually nap - but for some reason this day I was extremely tired. Upon waking I was in a near panic frantically searching for Saundra to see if it was too late to be baptized. You see while I was asleep, I was dreaming that I was speaking with Jesus. He was telling me of all the wonderful things He had done in my life to protect me, to keep me, to lead me. How he had blessed me even when I didn't know Him. He began to tell me how He loved me so much that He laid His life down for me and even if I were the only one, it would be worth it. At the end of the dream Jesus said "I love you this much, how come you won't tell the people how your heart is renewed and cleansed. Why won't you publicly testify about me, even I was baptized?"
Observation - This scripture always reminds me of my own baptism. Being recently converted their came a moment when the pastor announced the baptism service for that Sunday evening. I was adamant that I had already been baptized as an infant and didn't need to go through the ritual again. Arriving home from the morning service a deep sleep came over me. I don't usually nap - but for some reason this day I was extremely tired. Upon waking I was in a near panic frantically searching for Saundra to see if it was too late to be baptized. You see while I was asleep, I was dreaming that I was speaking with Jesus. He was telling me of all the wonderful things He had done in my life to protect me, to keep me, to lead me. How he had blessed me even when I didn't know Him. He began to tell me how He loved me so much that He laid His life down for me and even if I were the only one, it would be worth it. At the end of the dream Jesus said "I love you this much, how come you won't tell the people how your heart is renewed and cleansed. Why won't you publicly testify about me, even I was baptized?"
Application - God is so good. He put is stamp of approval on His son through the testimony of the Holy Spirit. In baptism we share in Jesus life experience and testify God's eternal love for us through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Prayer - Jesus, I do love you and thank you daily for everything you have done for me and my life. I will shout from the mountain tops your love.
