Transformed

John the baptizer preached, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy
to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
– Matthew 3:11

Transformed.  Meeting Jesus changed them.  It still does.  As we look to the new year and dig into scripture, we begin a new sermon series examining the people Jesus encountered in his ministry.  The first person we will study is John the baptizer.  He was the son of Zachariah and Mary’s relative, Elizabeth.  Jesus and John were cousins.

John was a fiery preacher and lived an eccentric life; living off the land eating locusts and wild honey, wearing clothes made of camel’s hair.  John preached by the Jordan River at a crossroads where he had a frequent and captive audience.  People went out from Jerusalem to hear him and to be baptized in the river.

Jesus also was baptized by John as a symbol of the initiation of his ministry.  John’s baptism was one of repentance and cleansing.  Jesus didn’t necessarily need that, but he did need the affirmation which followed.  “As soon as Jesus was baptized, 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 lighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” -Matthew 3:16-17

Before Jesus had even begun his ministry, before he had preached, healed, fed thousands, before he raised anyone from the dead… God was pleased with him.  John was transformed by the experience of baptizing Jesus.  He was encouraged in the work to which he had been called.  John would still experience doubt and fear, but he also experienced God’s presence.  John challenged people to change their ways, turn back to God, and be better.

As we Ordain and Install new church officers this Sunday, we are reminded that our baptism is sufficient for our calling to serve.  We don’t need fancy diplomas or degrees in order to serve God.  We simply need a willing heart, hands to reach and words to comfort.  Remember, God is well pleased with us all even before we begin our ministry.

Faithful God, in baptism you claimed us; and by your Holy Spirit you work in our lives, empowering us to live a life worthy of our calling.  Forgive us for not using our gifts to further your kingdom on earth.  Forgive us for neglecting to love our neighbors, caring for all your children.  Establish us in your truth, and guide us by your Holy Spirit, that in your service we may grow in faith, hope, and love, and be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever.  Amen.