Star Words
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” – Mark 1:9-11
When Jesus was baptized by John, the voice of God said, “You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The words God spoke to and about Jesus at that crucial moment in his life, helped to solidify his calling. They gave him the confidence and clarity he had been searching for. The words God gives us can be transformative.
In the gospel of John we read: Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” – John 1:32-34
John calls Jesus “God’s Chosen One”. What a powerful affirmation of who Jesus was and what he was about! You are also invited to receive words from God. Whether they are from scripture, or the voice of another person, God can speak truth and a calling into your life. We have a recent tradition of sharing “star words” on the first few Sundays of the new year. These are not magical words, but they can be meaningful. I have been amazed at how God used the star words I received in the past few years as an encouragement when things were difficult and a reminder that God knew beforehand what I would be facing and was equipping me for whatever might come.
I encourage you to pray through your star word or the words that God is giving you through scripture this year. May you grow into the strong and faithful disciple God is creating in you. If you did not receive a “star word” at worship this Sunday and would like one, please contact the office. We are happy to mail it to you or you may pick one up anytime you are in the church building. They are in the narthex and in the office.
O Lord our God, light of the world, we confess that we are not always good at letting your light shine through us. We insist that the earth is ours, not yours. We insist on building walls that keep others out. We insist on serving ourselves first, and offering you our leftovers. Forgive us for all the ways we obscure your light, and turn our attention to you, that all our days we may glorify only you. Amen.
