Sermon Text: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
That we may live into the new identity You have given us
Jesus, John identified You as the One who was coming with power. You
were the one who would bring real hope to your people. You were the one who
would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. You would be their true
Savior and Liberator.
No one fully understood all that John’s words meant, and we don’t
either. But like his large audience, we want to be ready. We have repented of
our sins, and continue to do so when we falter and act in faithless ways. We,
like them, have entered the water of baptism in hope.
But we have been surprised to find that You entered the water ahead of
us. You acted in humility and in solidarity with your people in preparation for
the dramatic new life-giving work that God was ready to do among them through
You.
Because You opened the way for us, we have
entered the water and the new life it signifies. We have received a new
identity as children and servants of God, in order to carry on the ministry
that You began and energized by your presence, action and generous giving of
the Spirit of God.
You who are God’s Beloved, enable us to act in thanksgiving and
gratitude that the scope of God’s love includes us, and our neighbor as well.
Amen.
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