January 8th, 2023

Devotional
“Jesus’ Baptism” - Matthew 3:1-17

Monday: “Prepare the Way” - Matthew 3: 1-3

Less than one month after my birth, I was baptized. On September 28th, 1986, my parents
had me baptized into my home church by the Rev. Raymond Fraval. While I was too young to
have a memory of the event itself, I know that it has effected both my Christian upbringing, faith
journey, and call to ministry.
One might ask why my parents chose to have me baptized so early, to which there are
two main reasons. The first reason was just practical in that there was going to be a baptism per-
formed on that day. I was baptized with the largest baptism class in the history of West Side
United Methodist Church with twelve infants and children were initiated into the Household of
God. In a real and mysterious way my baptism with these eleven other people has sealed our per-
sonal community. I have traveled through many other milestones and life experiences with this
group – Sunday School promotions, birthday parties, conformation, and high school and college
graduations, to name a few. We are known in the church for our special bonds and deep friend-
ships that continue to this day.

What do you remember about your baptism or other baptism you have wit-
nessed?

Prayer: Loving God, you call for us to come to the water and be transformed. You have prepared
the way for us and remind us that we will not leave the same person we were when we entered.
Help us to reclaim the vows of our baptism, here and now today. Amen.

Tuesday: “John” - Matthew 3: 4-10

My parents strongly believed that with my baptism they were asking the congregation to
be an active part of my upbringing as a piece of their family. Prior to my baptism Rev. Fraval
came to my parents apartment to discuss what baptism meant for both him, as the pastor, and
each of my parents. He then verbally walked them through parts of the service and the basic the-
ology of baptism. The part that stuck my father the most was the congregation’s commitment to
help raise their daughter as they state that they will “nurture these children in Christ’s holy
church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God’s grace for them-
selves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life.” My home congregation has eth-
ically and socially lived out this promise time and time again as a collective body and as individ-
uals as they have helped my parents and extended family raise me in a Christian home and
Church. They taught me how to articulate my faith through the sharing of their own faith jour-
neys, including triumphs and struggles; they nurtured my love for the holy Church by teaching
me the theology behind the liturgy in simple terms from an early age to ensure there was mean-
ing behind my words and actions. There were times in my faith walk that I felt as if I had far too
many parents, as people in the church took seriously their commitment to nurture and teach me,
which sometimes involved scolding, but looking back both my parents and I appreciate their
walking with me along this journey of faith, for without them I would never had affirmed my call
to ministry. While some people may question the validity of Christian baptism, my parents can
tell you that truly was as the discipline describes it, my entrance into the church, the sealing of
the Spirit upon my life, and “an awareness by the baptized of heir claim to ministry in Christ
placed upon their lives by the church.” By each member of West Side aiding my parents and us-
ing their spiritual gifts and fruits to bless our family, I was raised in an environment where the
Spirit of God was present, moving, and acknowledged.
How has baptism changed your identity?
Prayer: Lord, we confess that sometimes we get so caught up in the mechanics of the sacrament
of baptism that we forget what it is truly about - walking with you. Being changed by you. Let us
share this message with our lips and our lives, we pray. Amen.

Wednesday: “Waters of Repentance” - Matthew 3: 11-12

As beautiful as the stories of baptism may be, we can still ask why we baptize people to-
day, whether it be infants, children, or adults. Is it just a story to tell? A fond memory for few?
No, it is so much more. We baptize because Jesus was baptized. We believe that Jesus’
baptism wasn’t just a simple act for the annunciation of Jesus’ ministry. It was for the benefit of
those touched by Jesus. By those who heard the voice of God.

John knew that he was different. His mother told him the stories – the conception that
shouldn’t have been possible and him leaping in the womb for joy when approached by the
mother of the Messiah. His father had wisdom to share – God might silence our doubt by silenc-
ing our very lips - taking our words from us. But could wisdom and stories really prepare John
for what was to come? Did he know that he was going to baptize the very one who would com-
mand his disciples to baptize the nations to the end of the world?

In the end, he might not of known his mission, known what he would be remembered for,
but he knew that he wasn’t worthy to do it. “I should be baptized by you, and yet you come to
me!”

What call has emerged from your baptism?

Prayer: Lord, just as the waters invite us to transformation of heart and mind, you also remind us
that we emerge with an identity rooted in you. A mission and ministry for you and your King-
dom. Lead us to discover and recommit ourselves that that mission, we pray. Amen.

Thursday: “Let It Be So” - Matthew 3: 13-15

But Jesus knew that his baptism would be an example to the world. An example of what
exactly? I believe he was embodying nothing short of the mystery of God. For as Jesus was com-
ing out of the water the sky split open and the Holy Spirit descended as God proclaimed, “This is
my very own, my beloved, on whom my favor rests.” There may not be a more powerful mes-
sage for anyone throughout history and God says it to each of us as well – you are my very own,
the one most dear to my heart, and I hope for you the full realization of what I have in store for
you.
We, as Methodists, believe that baptism is holy because of these words spoken over Jesus
and each of us. We believe that it marks our journeys as ministers of the gospel as part of
Christ’s holy church. Even as babies. I truly believe that each member of the body of Christ has
something to share with us – a gift to bless us with – even if it is as pure as tears or laughter. And
we believe that God does not screw up this covenant that is being made with us. We may break
covenant with God, but God will never, I repeat, never, break it with us.

What covenantal promises do you claim in your baptism?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you to you do not leave us the same, but also that you do not let us go.
Cling to us today as we seek to grow closer in love with you. Amen.

Friday: “Spirit” - Matthew 3: 16-17

Today, and every day, is the day to celebrate and remember that God is doing a good
work in you. It began long before your baptism – the time when we publicly proclaim it as a
church. It was known in the Heavens before you took your first breath on this earth. Because
God created you. We live in a world that tempts us to forget that message, that we are God’s
very own. And that is why we celebrated the Wesleyan Covenant of Renewal this week. We may
not be able to be re-baptized every time we stray from God, but once a year, as well as every
time we celebrate the baptism of one around us, we remember the covenant that was forged be-
tween us and God. That the creator of the universe called Jesus out of the waters with the Heav-
ens proclaiming that he was God’s beloved, and the same claim is laid on each of our lives every
day. We stand as witnesses in the tradition of the Saints and Jesus Christ saying that God has a
purpose for our being, and we will surround all of those around us with love. We will let our
lives be examples, like Jesus’ was for us, of the walk of faith – triumphs, joys, sorrows, strug-
gles, and everything in between. We will nurture those around us to make disciples for the trans-
formation of the world. And most importantly, we hold each others hand and proclaim that we
are one family, united by one true Holy Spirit that has laid claim to each of our lives and calls us
“Beloved”. So may we now join together in this service of renewal of our covenant with the lord
and with each other, as we remember our baptisms.
What did you feel called to remember about your baptism this week?
Prayer: God, every time we enter into the waters, may we remember the good and perfect work
you have claimed in us. Amen.