Greetings on the first Sunday after the Epiphany as we celebrate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan.
Our invitation to worship offers a prayer proclaims the baptism of Jesus and how his baptism signifies the renewal of our relationship with God through Christ. Our first lesson from Isaiah relates the promise from God that a servant will come to renew the relationship between God and God’s chosen people through justice and mercy. The psalmist offers a song of praise that reminds humanity to offer praise to God and not human power. The reading from Acts relates Peter’s sermon to Cornelius the Centurion proclaiming that God is partial to those who follow God, no matter where they come from. The reading from Matthew’s gospel is the interaction between Jesus and John the Baptist as John baptizes Jesus.
Today’s readings offer insights into the power of baptism and how our baptism reconnects us to God through the actions of Jesus. We are reminded that the power we receive is not based on where we come from or who brought us into relationship with God. Jesus eschews power which is his warrant to share in human baptism to restart real life. Our lives, in this present moment, are reminders that life and growth come from renewed faith by bringing others and including others into the family of believers, especially when they don’t look exactly like us. Because “the way we’ve always done something” isn’t the only way and new eyes and experiences will help us grow into what we are called to be – merciful and just people for God.
How will you invite others to help reinvigorate your life with God and Jesus, even when they aren’t especially like you? I invite your comments,
Les+
Lessons: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/epiphany-1-sermon
