Led by Rev Suzanne Nockels
Readings: Opened with Psalm 29 & Mark 1:4ff
Suzanne recounted that in 18 years of ministry she has conducted numerous baptisms and weddings, yet could not immediately recall the names of those involved. She could remember the families all dressed smartly and it was always obvious who did or did not go to church.
Superficially the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist presents a lovely picture with with white fluffy dove against a blue sky with sunshine above the azure blue River Jordan. However in the ancient world the earth was flat above which was a domed firmament. The stars were seen as holes in the firmament providing access to and from heaven. Humans were earthbound with God held at a safe distance.
At the baptism of Jesus, God removed that safe barrier when he RIPPED and TORE open the sky as in the other occasion God tore the curtain separating the Holy of Holies in the Temple. The dove wasn’t as we know it white but a Rock Dove or pigeon which was the lowest form of sacrificial animal in the Temple. This pigeon is tough and resilient carrying messages huge distances.
Then God’s voice took over providing affirmation and assurance but using what tone? Was it all powerful or meek and peaceful? Certainly the first time in centuries God had spoken to anyone.
Invited guests might expect those conducting the baptism to be suitably dressed but Jesus presented himself before the the scruffy John the Baptist, not only unkempt but an outsider who disagreed with most things and forgave sins without the involvement of the hierarchy in the Temple. John asked for repentance not just in the past but also for the future.
What will 2018 hold for us? We will all face different circumstances, some hard some wonderfully warm, loving and kind. Think more during all these times of Jesus, remember the Holy Spirit in us is tough and we have God’s goodness, love and grace to see us through.
Amen