Luke 3:21-22

“and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” vs. 22

Luke doesn’t tell his readers why Jesus joined the crowds who were baptized by John at the Jordan, but he does report that after his baptism Jesus took time for prayer. It’s not surprising to learn this about Jesus, prayer seems to have been a regular part of his daily routine. It was during this initial time of prayer that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, heard the affirmation of God, and received his call. While he didn’t yet have a clear picture of what that might mean, he did know one thing for sure. He was deeply loved by God and was precious in God’s sight. And for the rest of his earthly life, that was all that he needed! That’s pretty much the way it is for all who have been baptized into Christ. For most the baptism is pretty routine–pictures may have been taken–and there’s probably a certificate or two. It’s later on that the exciting stuff begins to happen and the Jesus experience is repeated in us. We’ll not get a call to be the messiah (that job has already been taken), but we will be regularly visited by the Holy Spirit. And always, when the Spirit comes near, we will receive assurances of God’s love, and direction for our ministry. And the key for us, as for Jesus, will be regular prayer!

Thought for the Day: How has the Holy Spirit directed me?