Scripture: St. Mark 1:9-11 (NKJV)
9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and
was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the
water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a
dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased.”
Devotion
Does Jesus give us the Holy Spirit in baptism, or ought we to expect another?
We must be on guard against those who teach us to seek the Holy Spirit apart
from the means of grace. The flesh is always tempted to separate God from His
Word, so there are some who teach that water baptism symbolizes one thing, but
the true Christian is “baptized with the spirit” apart from water and the Word
of God. But there is no use separating God from His Word and the Holy Spirit
from Baptism, for the two go together as we see in today’s reading. Jesus is
baptized and “the Spirit descends upon Him like a dove.” No waiting. No second
baptism. No mere symbolism. Water plus Word and Spirit, that’s Holy Baptism.
It is important to remember that in our baptism we receive the Holy Spirit with
all His gifts. If we think we have to feel the Spirit’s presence we will only
get caught up in navel-gazing and assessing our emotions. But when we consider
that the Spirit gives us the things of Jesus—His Word, His forgiveness, His
life, and all His promises—then our hearts are truly blessed. In water combined
with God’s Word we receive the Holy Spirit to give us faith, to strengthen that
faith, and keep us steadfast in it unto life everlasting. This can only be
accomplished by the Holy Spirit.
The Lutheran Herald is a publication of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of
North America. These daily devotions are authored by the bishop, pastors, and
deacons of the diocese. Daily posts are provided by The Reverend Jeffrey A.
Ahonen.
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