The Baptism of Jesus and Baptism of the Spirit.
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: The baptism of Jesus and baptism of the Spirit. In Isaiah the Spirit is given to God's Servant (generally regarded as the nation of Israel). In Acts Peter proclaims that the Spirit comes to everyone who fears God and does what is right. The Gospel tells of the descent of the Spirit of God on Jesus following his baptism by John.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1--5 (C)
The text describes creation in its earliest stages; the earth was a formless, watery void. The Spirit of God acted on the waters and created life. This text was selected for The Baptism Of Our Lord because of the association of the Spirit of God with water. Light issued as the first act of God's creation.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1--9 (E)
This is the first servant song. Opinions vary as to the identity of the Servant. Many identify the Servant as the nation of Israel, others identify it as some individual, while still others claim that it refers to both. God has favored his Servant with his Spirit, that he might patiently bring forth justice and righteousness to the earth. The God of creation, who created light and life, has commissioned his Servant to share the light of the knowledge of God with the nations.
Lesson 2: Acts 19:1--7 (C)
In Ephesus Paul found a small band of Christians. He inquired as to how they had received the Holy Spirit, when they came to faith. They replied that they had never even heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul then inquired concerning the nature of their baptism. They responded that it was the baptism of John the Baptist. After the apostle more carefully explained the Christian faith, they were baptized in the name of Jesus. Then Paul laid his hand on them, conveying the Spirit which came upon them in the form of tongues and prophecy. See also Acts 8:14--18.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--38 (RC, E)
Peter witnesses to Cornelius and his household about Jesus in response to visions which both men received. Peter comes to understand that God intends the gospel not only for the Jews but also the Gentiles. Peter relates how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit, which gave him the power to heal, deliver from the devil and do such great good.
Gospel: Mark 1:4--11 (C); Mark 1:7--11 (RC, E)
Mark's gospel commences with the ministry of John the Baptist. John describes his baptism as being preparatory in character. His baptism was one of repentance and forgiveness. The Messiah, the one who was coming after him, would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The bestowal of the Spirit would bring people into spiritual communion with God. Jesus is baptized by John with the accompanying voice from heaven proclaiming that Jesus was his beloved Son.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 29 (C) - "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters..." (v. 3).
Psalm 89:1--29 (E) - "I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth" (v. 27).
Psalm 28 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
God of favor, you acclaimed Jesus your beloved Son in his baptism by John in the Jordan River and gifted him mightily with your Spirit. As you have also shone your favor upon us through our baptism, so fill us with the fullness of your Spirit that we might accomplish the tasks you have given us to do. In the holy name of Jesus. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1--5
Spirit on the move. God's Spirit is dynamic, ever on the move. Genesis describes the Spirit of the Lord as moving over the waters. Spirit and wind come from the same root word, so if we think about the characteristics of wind we come to comprehend some basic truths about the Spirit. We can't see the wind, we can only observe the movement of objects acted on by the wind. Likewise, we cannot see the Spirit but only observe the Spirit's movement in the world, in the church and in our own hearts.
The deep. The writer of Genesis teaches that the world we live in was founded on a watery chaos (the deep). We have here an interesting correlation with science, which teaches that all earthly life emanates from the depths of the sea. When we think of the Spirit, we have to think deep. Spirit comes wrapped in a thick shroud of mystery. As Paul reasoned, we can only begin to comprehend the things of the Spirit through the gift of the Spirit.
Let there be light (v. 3). God spoke light into being before anything else, his greatest creative stroke. Not only is light necessary in creating and sustaining life but it is also the prime form of energy associated with God's being. When God makes himself known the theophany is always accompanied by fire or light. In the prelude of the Gospel of John the creative and redemptive Word is described as light which shines in the darkness. God creates light but it is our responsibility as his children to let the light shine. In other words, we must not block the light but let it shine through us.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9
Behold my servant (v. 1). Isaiah proclaims, "Behold my servant, my chosen, in whom my soul delights..." The terms "servant" and "chosen one" don't seem to be parallel terms. Besides, attention is not generally given to servants; those who wait on others don't often find themselves in the spotlight. The prophet announces that the nations were soon going to notice God's servant, Israel, because he had placed his Spirit upon his people. In the Gospel we hear the heavenly voice booming "This is my beloved Son, listen to him." Behold my Son, my chosen! We are told to pay keen attention to the Beloved, and what made him noteworthy was the fact that the Son shone forth as the preeminent servant. Behold the servant Son, the Chosen, who gave his life as a sacrifice of service. Such servanthood needs lifting up.
Lesson 2: Acts 19:1--7
Did you receive the Holy Spirit? The group of twelve Christians had not heard the whole gospel. Paul asked, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" (v. 2). It was news to them. Paul more fully explained the gospel, baptized the twelve and then laid his hands on them. Christianity is not just a matter of intellectual assent to theological propositions; more importantly, it is receiving the Spirit of Christ into our heart.
Legalistic Christians. The twelve disciples that Paul found might be termed legalistic Christians. They had received the baptism of John; they knew they needed to be better, to clean up their act. It doesn't appear that they had experienced the grace of Christ through his Spirit. They were attempting to earn God's grace through their own power. Through their encounter with Paul they experienced something extra, the grace of God.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--38
Good News of peace (v. 36). Peter characterizes the ministry of Jesus as the good news of peace. He is our peace with God. He frees us from our sins as he liberates us from the dominion of the devil.
The power cell for goodness (v. 38). Peter tells how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, then relates how he went about doing good. The Spirit of God is the power cell of goodness. In this century we have witnessed the awesome power of evil to wreak destruction. Fifty years ago thousands of allied soldiers witnessed the handiwork of the Evil One as they liberated Nazi concentration camps. Yet, that horrible power could not sustain itself. The power of Christ's goodness continues to transform lives after 2000 years.
Gospel: Mark 1:4--11
Opening act. Many highly touted musical groups have a less luminous group open for them. Their function is to get the crowd prepared for the main act. That was exactly what John the Baptist was doing, getting the people ready for the main attraction. Don't focus on me, he said. Just prepare for the one who is coming after me.
D--Day. Over fifty years ago the allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy. They launched during a brief window in a stormy pattern of weather. Once those tens of thousands of soldiers were underway in the boats that would bring them to the beaches, there was no turning back. "D" stands for deployment, but the word decision would do as well. What an agonizing decision that must have been for General Eisenhower and the high command. When Jesus went to John to be baptized, that was Jesus' "D--Day." Then he was irrevocably committed to the battle with Satan's minions for the hearts and souls of humanity. Those who belong to denominations that practice adult baptism as the normative mode customarily emphasize the decision of discipleship that precedes baptism, while the liturgical churches emphasize God's prior act of grace conveyed through infant baptism. The latter then associates decision and deployment with confirmation.
B-- and C--Day. That day that Jesus went to John for baptism could be referred to as B--Day, baptism day, and C--Day, confirmation day. Jesus' deployment as Messiah was initiated through his baptism. As Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, B--Day also became C--Day, confirmation day, as he heard the voice from on high, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Though our baptism as Christians does not equate to that of our Lord's, our B--Day also becomes a C--Day, as God assures us that we are eternally the children of his love and favor.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1--5
Sermon Title: By Water, Word And The Spirit
Sermon Angle: The creation account in Genesis 1 says that in the beginning the Spirit of God moved over the waters. Then God spoke light into existence. There we have it, the three building blocks of creation - God's Spirit, water and the word. Those are also the elements present when God recreates or redeems his human creation. God's Spirit and God's word combine with the waters of baptism to create new spiritual life. We can't explain it, only celebrate the mystery of new life.
Outline:
1. God's Spirit created the world through water and the word.
2. Jesus was enthroned as Messiah through water and the word (Gospel).
3. We are adopted into God's family and empowered for ministry through water and the word.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9
Sermon Title: Mission Mandate: Live As A Covenant People!
Sermon Angle: A word of hope came to God's oppressed people through Isaiah. God was giving his Spirit to them; they would be a covenantal sign of God's redemptive love (v. 6). They had a mission to be a light to the nations and free those who were oppressed (v. 7). This is the same mission Jesus took upon himself in his baptism and which comes to us in our baptism. How are we doing as the Lord's covenant people?
Outline:
1. God had made the Jews his covenant people in order to bring all people into God's family (v. 6).
2. God declared his covenant of love with his Son through his baptism (Mark 1:11).
3. The Lord established his covenant with us in our baptism.
4. Live out Christ's covenant of love, that all people might know his grace.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--38
Sermon Title: He Is Lord Of All!
Sermon Angle: This text presents a strong case for the catholicity of the church. The Spirit was leading Peter and the whole church from the particularity of God's revelation to the Jews to the universality of a gospel for all people. Peter had to acknowledge what we are often reluctant to admit, that God shows no partiality, Christ has no favorites. God accepts all who respond to him in faith and strive to do his will.
Outline:
1. Humans tend to make God in our image.
2. God created us all and is Lord of all (v. 36).
3. Peter came to see that God had spoken to Cornelius, a non--Jew and enemy of his people. Peter's understanding of God ballooned from a tribal deity to the universal God.
4. Is your faith narrow and tribal or global and catholic?
Gospel: Mark 1:4--11
Sermon Title: The ABC's Of Our Lord's Baptism
Sermon Angle: We can summarize the fundamentals of our Lord's baptism as follows:
A - Affirmation. In Jesus' baptism, the Father affirmed that he was dearly loved. This satisfied his need for identity.
B - Belonging. The Father affirmed that Jesus was his beloved Son. He belonged. This satisfied his need for social bonding in the family of God.
C - Continuation. The Father blessed the Son with his Spirit that he might continue to accomplish the will of God. This fulfilled his need for inspiration and strength.
Sermon Title: The ABC's Of The Holy Spirit
Sermon Angle: The Spirit of God comes wrapped in mystery. Yet our three lessons shed light on this mystery. The Genesis text reveals the creative nature of the Spirit. He gives form and purpose to void and chaos. The Second Lesson demonstrates that the Spirit shows no favorites based on human differences. The Gospel shows that the Spirit is identified with the ministry of Jesus coming as an affirming, loving Spirit.
Sermon Title: Baptism: Personal And Communal
Sermon Angle: Mark's account of our Lord's baptism emphasizes the personal aspects of this awesome experience. The voice from heaven was not for the benefit of the onlookers but for Jesus himself. "You are my beloved Son..." Matthew has: "This is my beloved Son" (Matthew 3:17), an announcement to others. Jesus noticed the heavens open and the gentle Spirit descend like a dove. This was clearly a personal spiritual experience of affirmation for Jesus. Christian baptism is similar in this regard. It comes to us as a personal word of affirmation and acceptance. That's why we always use the personal name of the baptized when the waters of grace are poured. However, Christian baptism is clearly communal as well. We see this meaning also in the baptism of our Lord. He was baptized into the sinful human family through John's baptism of repentance. His baptism identified him with our sinful race. We, on the opposite pole, are baptized into the family of God, the kingdom of Heaven.
Outline:
1. Jesus' baptism was personal and corporate. (Explain.)
2. Our baptism is personal (God personally forgives, accepts and empowers us).
3. Our baptism is communal (the Christ--life can only be realized in community).
4. Our baptism commissions us for life--long mission in the kingdom.
__________
This little story illustrates the second point above. A little boy was dying of cancer. His parents hadn't had time to become part of a faith community. Yet as the life--force began to ebb in their precious little one, they realized that they needed, and especially their son needed, spiritual guidance. A pastor came to see the little boy and taught him the 23rd Psalm but with a special technique. He taught him to take his hand and as he grasped his first finger say, "The," then take the next finger and utter, "Lord," and follow it with the third finger and say, "is," the fourth finger, "my," and finally, the fifth finger, "Shepherd." The pastor instructed the boy to hold tightly to the fourth finger as a way of reminding him that he belonged to the Lord. "The Lord is my Shepherd." One morning the parents entered their son's hospital room to find his hands clasped above his head. He had stopped breathing. Then they noticed. Their son was holding tightly the fourth finger. "The Lord is my Shepherd." He had died with the reassurance that the Lord was "his" shepherd.
In the same way our baptism reminds us, especially when the devil tries to steal our assurance, that we belong to the Lord. He is our Savior, our Lord, our Shepherd. When Martin Luther was tempted to doubt his salvation, he would cry out: "I am baptized, I am baptized."
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1--5 (C)
The text describes creation in its earliest stages; the earth was a formless, watery void. The Spirit of God acted on the waters and created life. This text was selected for The Baptism Of Our Lord because of the association of the Spirit of God with water. Light issued as the first act of God's creation.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1--9 (E)
This is the first servant song. Opinions vary as to the identity of the Servant. Many identify the Servant as the nation of Israel, others identify it as some individual, while still others claim that it refers to both. God has favored his Servant with his Spirit, that he might patiently bring forth justice and righteousness to the earth. The God of creation, who created light and life, has commissioned his Servant to share the light of the knowledge of God with the nations.
Lesson 2: Acts 19:1--7 (C)
In Ephesus Paul found a small band of Christians. He inquired as to how they had received the Holy Spirit, when they came to faith. They replied that they had never even heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul then inquired concerning the nature of their baptism. They responded that it was the baptism of John the Baptist. After the apostle more carefully explained the Christian faith, they were baptized in the name of Jesus. Then Paul laid his hand on them, conveying the Spirit which came upon them in the form of tongues and prophecy. See also Acts 8:14--18.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--38 (RC, E)
Peter witnesses to Cornelius and his household about Jesus in response to visions which both men received. Peter comes to understand that God intends the gospel not only for the Jews but also the Gentiles. Peter relates how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit, which gave him the power to heal, deliver from the devil and do such great good.
Gospel: Mark 1:4--11 (C); Mark 1:7--11 (RC, E)
Mark's gospel commences with the ministry of John the Baptist. John describes his baptism as being preparatory in character. His baptism was one of repentance and forgiveness. The Messiah, the one who was coming after him, would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The bestowal of the Spirit would bring people into spiritual communion with God. Jesus is baptized by John with the accompanying voice from heaven proclaiming that Jesus was his beloved Son.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 29 (C) - "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters..." (v. 3).
Psalm 89:1--29 (E) - "I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth" (v. 27).
Psalm 28 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
God of favor, you acclaimed Jesus your beloved Son in his baptism by John in the Jordan River and gifted him mightily with your Spirit. As you have also shone your favor upon us through our baptism, so fill us with the fullness of your Spirit that we might accomplish the tasks you have given us to do. In the holy name of Jesus. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1--5
Spirit on the move. God's Spirit is dynamic, ever on the move. Genesis describes the Spirit of the Lord as moving over the waters. Spirit and wind come from the same root word, so if we think about the characteristics of wind we come to comprehend some basic truths about the Spirit. We can't see the wind, we can only observe the movement of objects acted on by the wind. Likewise, we cannot see the Spirit but only observe the Spirit's movement in the world, in the church and in our own hearts.
The deep. The writer of Genesis teaches that the world we live in was founded on a watery chaos (the deep). We have here an interesting correlation with science, which teaches that all earthly life emanates from the depths of the sea. When we think of the Spirit, we have to think deep. Spirit comes wrapped in a thick shroud of mystery. As Paul reasoned, we can only begin to comprehend the things of the Spirit through the gift of the Spirit.
Let there be light (v. 3). God spoke light into being before anything else, his greatest creative stroke. Not only is light necessary in creating and sustaining life but it is also the prime form of energy associated with God's being. When God makes himself known the theophany is always accompanied by fire or light. In the prelude of the Gospel of John the creative and redemptive Word is described as light which shines in the darkness. God creates light but it is our responsibility as his children to let the light shine. In other words, we must not block the light but let it shine through us.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9
Behold my servant (v. 1). Isaiah proclaims, "Behold my servant, my chosen, in whom my soul delights..." The terms "servant" and "chosen one" don't seem to be parallel terms. Besides, attention is not generally given to servants; those who wait on others don't often find themselves in the spotlight. The prophet announces that the nations were soon going to notice God's servant, Israel, because he had placed his Spirit upon his people. In the Gospel we hear the heavenly voice booming "This is my beloved Son, listen to him." Behold my Son, my chosen! We are told to pay keen attention to the Beloved, and what made him noteworthy was the fact that the Son shone forth as the preeminent servant. Behold the servant Son, the Chosen, who gave his life as a sacrifice of service. Such servanthood needs lifting up.
Lesson 2: Acts 19:1--7
Did you receive the Holy Spirit? The group of twelve Christians had not heard the whole gospel. Paul asked, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" (v. 2). It was news to them. Paul more fully explained the gospel, baptized the twelve and then laid his hands on them. Christianity is not just a matter of intellectual assent to theological propositions; more importantly, it is receiving the Spirit of Christ into our heart.
Legalistic Christians. The twelve disciples that Paul found might be termed legalistic Christians. They had received the baptism of John; they knew they needed to be better, to clean up their act. It doesn't appear that they had experienced the grace of Christ through his Spirit. They were attempting to earn God's grace through their own power. Through their encounter with Paul they experienced something extra, the grace of God.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--38
Good News of peace (v. 36). Peter characterizes the ministry of Jesus as the good news of peace. He is our peace with God. He frees us from our sins as he liberates us from the dominion of the devil.
The power cell for goodness (v. 38). Peter tells how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, then relates how he went about doing good. The Spirit of God is the power cell of goodness. In this century we have witnessed the awesome power of evil to wreak destruction. Fifty years ago thousands of allied soldiers witnessed the handiwork of the Evil One as they liberated Nazi concentration camps. Yet, that horrible power could not sustain itself. The power of Christ's goodness continues to transform lives after 2000 years.
Gospel: Mark 1:4--11
Opening act. Many highly touted musical groups have a less luminous group open for them. Their function is to get the crowd prepared for the main act. That was exactly what John the Baptist was doing, getting the people ready for the main attraction. Don't focus on me, he said. Just prepare for the one who is coming after me.
D--Day. Over fifty years ago the allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy. They launched during a brief window in a stormy pattern of weather. Once those tens of thousands of soldiers were underway in the boats that would bring them to the beaches, there was no turning back. "D" stands for deployment, but the word decision would do as well. What an agonizing decision that must have been for General Eisenhower and the high command. When Jesus went to John to be baptized, that was Jesus' "D--Day." Then he was irrevocably committed to the battle with Satan's minions for the hearts and souls of humanity. Those who belong to denominations that practice adult baptism as the normative mode customarily emphasize the decision of discipleship that precedes baptism, while the liturgical churches emphasize God's prior act of grace conveyed through infant baptism. The latter then associates decision and deployment with confirmation.
B-- and C--Day. That day that Jesus went to John for baptism could be referred to as B--Day, baptism day, and C--Day, confirmation day. Jesus' deployment as Messiah was initiated through his baptism. As Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, B--Day also became C--Day, confirmation day, as he heard the voice from on high, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Though our baptism as Christians does not equate to that of our Lord's, our B--Day also becomes a C--Day, as God assures us that we are eternally the children of his love and favor.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1--5
Sermon Title: By Water, Word And The Spirit
Sermon Angle: The creation account in Genesis 1 says that in the beginning the Spirit of God moved over the waters. Then God spoke light into existence. There we have it, the three building blocks of creation - God's Spirit, water and the word. Those are also the elements present when God recreates or redeems his human creation. God's Spirit and God's word combine with the waters of baptism to create new spiritual life. We can't explain it, only celebrate the mystery of new life.
Outline:
1. God's Spirit created the world through water and the word.
2. Jesus was enthroned as Messiah through water and the word (Gospel).
3. We are adopted into God's family and empowered for ministry through water and the word.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9
Sermon Title: Mission Mandate: Live As A Covenant People!
Sermon Angle: A word of hope came to God's oppressed people through Isaiah. God was giving his Spirit to them; they would be a covenantal sign of God's redemptive love (v. 6). They had a mission to be a light to the nations and free those who were oppressed (v. 7). This is the same mission Jesus took upon himself in his baptism and which comes to us in our baptism. How are we doing as the Lord's covenant people?
Outline:
1. God had made the Jews his covenant people in order to bring all people into God's family (v. 6).
2. God declared his covenant of love with his Son through his baptism (Mark 1:11).
3. The Lord established his covenant with us in our baptism.
4. Live out Christ's covenant of love, that all people might know his grace.
Lesson 2: Acts 10:34--38
Sermon Title: He Is Lord Of All!
Sermon Angle: This text presents a strong case for the catholicity of the church. The Spirit was leading Peter and the whole church from the particularity of God's revelation to the Jews to the universality of a gospel for all people. Peter had to acknowledge what we are often reluctant to admit, that God shows no partiality, Christ has no favorites. God accepts all who respond to him in faith and strive to do his will.
Outline:
1. Humans tend to make God in our image.
2. God created us all and is Lord of all (v. 36).
3. Peter came to see that God had spoken to Cornelius, a non--Jew and enemy of his people. Peter's understanding of God ballooned from a tribal deity to the universal God.
4. Is your faith narrow and tribal or global and catholic?
Gospel: Mark 1:4--11
Sermon Title: The ABC's Of Our Lord's Baptism
Sermon Angle: We can summarize the fundamentals of our Lord's baptism as follows:
A - Affirmation. In Jesus' baptism, the Father affirmed that he was dearly loved. This satisfied his need for identity.
B - Belonging. The Father affirmed that Jesus was his beloved Son. He belonged. This satisfied his need for social bonding in the family of God.
C - Continuation. The Father blessed the Son with his Spirit that he might continue to accomplish the will of God. This fulfilled his need for inspiration and strength.
Sermon Title: The ABC's Of The Holy Spirit
Sermon Angle: The Spirit of God comes wrapped in mystery. Yet our three lessons shed light on this mystery. The Genesis text reveals the creative nature of the Spirit. He gives form and purpose to void and chaos. The Second Lesson demonstrates that the Spirit shows no favorites based on human differences. The Gospel shows that the Spirit is identified with the ministry of Jesus coming as an affirming, loving Spirit.
Sermon Title: Baptism: Personal And Communal
Sermon Angle: Mark's account of our Lord's baptism emphasizes the personal aspects of this awesome experience. The voice from heaven was not for the benefit of the onlookers but for Jesus himself. "You are my beloved Son..." Matthew has: "This is my beloved Son" (Matthew 3:17), an announcement to others. Jesus noticed the heavens open and the gentle Spirit descend like a dove. This was clearly a personal spiritual experience of affirmation for Jesus. Christian baptism is similar in this regard. It comes to us as a personal word of affirmation and acceptance. That's why we always use the personal name of the baptized when the waters of grace are poured. However, Christian baptism is clearly communal as well. We see this meaning also in the baptism of our Lord. He was baptized into the sinful human family through John's baptism of repentance. His baptism identified him with our sinful race. We, on the opposite pole, are baptized into the family of God, the kingdom of Heaven.
Outline:
1. Jesus' baptism was personal and corporate. (Explain.)
2. Our baptism is personal (God personally forgives, accepts and empowers us).
3. Our baptism is communal (the Christ--life can only be realized in community).
4. Our baptism commissions us for life--long mission in the kingdom.
__________
This little story illustrates the second point above. A little boy was dying of cancer. His parents hadn't had time to become part of a faith community. Yet as the life--force began to ebb in their precious little one, they realized that they needed, and especially their son needed, spiritual guidance. A pastor came to see the little boy and taught him the 23rd Psalm but with a special technique. He taught him to take his hand and as he grasped his first finger say, "The," then take the next finger and utter, "Lord," and follow it with the third finger and say, "is," the fourth finger, "my," and finally, the fifth finger, "Shepherd." The pastor instructed the boy to hold tightly to the fourth finger as a way of reminding him that he belonged to the Lord. "The Lord is my Shepherd." One morning the parents entered their son's hospital room to find his hands clasped above his head. He had stopped breathing. Then they noticed. Their son was holding tightly the fourth finger. "The Lord is my Shepherd." He had died with the reassurance that the Lord was "his" shepherd.
In the same way our baptism reminds us, especially when the devil tries to steal our assurance, that we belong to the Lord. He is our Savior, our Lord, our Shepherd. When Martin Luther was tempted to doubt his salvation, he would cry out: "I am baptized, I am baptized."
