John 1:19-34
1 Chronicles 7-8
Zephaniah 3
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Thoughts and Commentary on Today's Reading
John the Baptist even wondered this! In fact, when Yahshua came to him, requesting baptism, John responded by asking how he could baptize Yahshua, when John recognized that he wasn't worthy to unlatch His shoes, let alone baptize Him!
So why was Yahshua baptized? As He explained to John, it was His purpose to be a perfect Example to us in all things. Everything that we need to do, He did, as our Pattern:
1 Peter 2:21-25 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that ye should follow His Steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His Mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own self bare our sins in His own Body on the Tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."This account of Yahshua's baptism certainly underscores the importance of it. How important is it for us to be baptized? Obviously its a vital step, considering the Saviour, Who didn't personally need it, was baptized as our Example.
Baptism is something that's definitely on my mind a lot after this past weekend. This last Sabbath was so special. We actually had two baptisms in the river this last Sabbath, following our Livestream broadcast.
Every baptism is special. But this one was perhaps more so than most - for it seemed so impossible... And because I have been so encouraged through this experience, I hope sharing it will also encourage you.
Two Sabbaths ago, a couple joined our Bible fellowship group having traveled a couple of hours to do so. After the worship time was concluded, we all gathered in our driveway as we were saying our goodbyes. This couple, who had traveled in for the day, were part of the conversation.
Suddenly, the husband, whom I'll call Bob, turned to my husband Mark and said, "One of these days I've got to come down here and go for swim in the river with you." He was referring to being baptized.
A friend and member of our Bible fellowship group overheard this statement and interjected, "well next Sabbath (August 11) will be the perfect opportunity! Mark and Shauna already have a young man driving up from California to be baptized in the river! Why don't you come down and join him?"
Bob grinned and nothing more was said on it.
To be honest, I didn't think about it further. Bob was the impossible guy - the one you prayed for, but didn't really expect that he'd ever choose to go the full distance with God. Now, don't get me wrong, Bob is a really big-hearted and hard-working person. He has many good qualities. But, we had been praying for Bob's conversion for 10 years! And his wife had been praying for him longer than that. And Bob was still the same crusty, worldly person... I didn't really think about it much, but I didn't have a lot of hope that Bob would ever be converted.
Then, on the morning of August 12th, Bob's wife called us up. "Are you still having that baptism today?" she asked.
"Yes, the young man is here staying with us for the weekend. He's been anointed and he's going to be baptized after the Livestream broadcast this afternoon."
"Great! My husband wants to join him!"
You could have knocked us over with the feather!
Yahweh is amazing!!!
So, after praying for Bob for 10 years, this last Sabbath found him down in the river, giving his life over to Christ and being cleansed from his sins! What a glorious day! (Glory to God!)
As Bob was coming up out of the water, he looked at Mark, who had baptized him and exclaimed, "they're all gone!" Bob was joyfully referring to his sins, of course. He was rejoicing in the lightness that is sensed by anyone who comes to God and is cleansed from his past.
Bob is 80 years old... And, now, as of last Sabbath, Bob is finally God's man!
I have to say that I am so encouraged by what God has done in Bob's life - and in the life of the other man who was baptized. He can reach anyone! And we should never stop praying for the dear ones around us. God is working through those prayers, even when we can't see it.
What about you? Have you been to the river and have you been baptized? If not - its not too late! If so, are you praying for someone else to take that step? Keep praying. Don't quit!
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