{"id":10918,"date":"2025-01-12T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-11T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au\/?p=10918"},"modified":"2025-01-11T23:00:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-11T12:00:27","slug":"the-baptism-of-jesus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au\/?p=10918","title":{"rendered":"The Baptism of Jesus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scripture Readings: <\/strong>Isaiah 43:1-7 & Luke 3:15-17, 21-22<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s readings, we witness two profound truths: God\u2019s declaration of love for His people in Isaiah 43 and the divine affirmation of Jesus\u2019 identity in His baptism in Luke 3. These texts remind us of who we are as God\u2019s beloved children and invite us to reflect on how our identity in Christ shapes our lives and mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Isaiah 43:1-2, God reassures His people with the words, \u201cDo not fear, for I have redeemed you.\u201d With God’s help to protect them, even in exile they had no reason for fear. God calls His people to trust in His promises and follow Him without fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The God who created and formed us has said to His people, \u2018You are mine.\u2019 & “I am the Lord your God.” He has promised to be with them in every situation, to protect them whether they are crossing a river or walking through fire. Even through fire and water, God promises His protection and presence. May we trust in God\u2019s redemption and presence even in the challenges we face?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaiah 43:4 declares: \u201cYou are precious in my eyes, and honoured, and I love you.\u201d These words are not just promises of redemption but a proclamation of who we are – cherished, valued, and deeply loved by God. This love is unchanging and rooted in His covenant. How do we respond to God\u2019s love and value for us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a world that often questions our worth, this divine affirmation calls us to see ourselves and others through God\u2019s eyes. God\u2019s declaration reminds us of our true identity: we are loved, honoured, and precious in His sight because God loves us. This assurance lets us live boldly, trusting in His love and responding to His call to follow Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we step into 2025, let us begin with a shift in perspective rooted in God\u2019s unchanging truth. When we embrace our identity as God\u2019s beloved, we are freed from striving for approval and empowered to live boldly in His grace. This change in perspective transforms how we approach challenges, relationships, and our purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(First picture) Here, the perspectives of two people trapped in the same conditions were completely different. As you can see, one drew only the bars of the prison and the other only drew the scenery outside the bars. (Second picture) This sculpture titled “Origin” in Chadstone Shopping Centre is the work of Greg Johns. Depending on the viewing position or perspective, some people see it as a heart and others see it as a dollar. These are different thoughts we can have while looking at the same piece of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many challenges for us, many unpredictable things happen, and there are many times when we wander in confusion and uncertainty, but what we see and how we live is very important in our lives. What will we see and what will we draw? May we grow in faith and love through perspective change, trying to see everything through God’s eyes or spiritual eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we let God\u2019s love lead and define us, may it also inspire us to reflect that love in how we see and treat those around us. How can we let God\u2019s love reshape the way we see ourselves and others? May we begin or restart this year with a renewed vision of who we are in Christ and how we are called to live in His love!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In verses 5 to 7, God promises to gather His children from the ends of the earth. This highlights God\u2019s universal mission and His glory being revealed through His people. As seen in verse 7, God creates people to bring glory and praise to Himself. How are we participating in God\u2019s work of gathering and glorifying His name? May we praise God with His people and our Leighmoor family for all He has done for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Isaiah 43, God reveals in Isaiah that His people are valued and precious. In accordance with Luke 3:22, God declares Jesus as His beloved Son. Today’s Scripture readings highlight how much God loves His people and His Son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Luke 3:15-17,the people were eagerly awaiting the Messiah and questioning if John the Baptist might be the one. However, John clarifies his role as a forerunner, pointing to Jesus as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. This is not only a promise of purification but also empowerment. Through the Spirit, we are equipped to live out our calling as God\u2019s children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us in our walk of faith? The Holy Spirit empowers us to love, serve, and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Let us invite the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, refining and renewing us for His mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In verse 21, Jesus, though sinless, chooses to be baptized, identifying with humanity in its need for repentance and renewal. Though Jesus is the Son of God, He humbly comes to John for baptism, identifying with humanity and submitting to the Father\u2019s will. His baptism sets an example of humility and obedience to God\u2019s will and signifies the start of His mission to bring salvation to all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can we respond to God\u2019s love and follow Jesus’ example in our daily lives and services and ministries? Like Jesus, we are called to surrender our lives to God\u2019s purposes, trusting in His plan and walking in faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Luke’s account of Jesus\u2019 baptism, something extraordinary happens. As Jesus is praying, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaims: \u201cYou are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This moment is a holy encounter with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It affirms Jesus\u2019 identity as the Son of God and marks the beginning of His public ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as Jesus prayed and experienced the heavens opening, we too are invited to draw closer to God in prayer. In our prayers, may we hear God\u2019s assurance: \u201cYou are my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.\u201d This divine affirmation gives us purpose and reminds us of our mission to live as beloved children of God, reflecting His love in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are God\u2019s beloved, called to live as His precious and honoured children. As Jesus\u2019 baptism marked the beginning of His mission, so too does our identity in Christ call us to follow Him in humility, obedience, and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May we draw near to God in prayer and take time daily to seek Him and listen to His Words in our lives. Let us reflect God\u2019s love and share the truth of His love with others through words and actions. In 2025, may we live in the Spirit and rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in fulfilling our calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s Scripture readings emphasize God\u2019s redeeming mission and his empowering and protective presence. As you go forth, remember that God declares over you: \u201cYou are my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.\u201d As God’s precious children, may we live into this identity, trusting in His love and walking in His ways.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks be to God! Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scripture Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7 & Luke 3:15-17, 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