A Father's Love - Mark 1:10-11

Mark 1:10-11              Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (NIV)

            A couple of days ago, I reminded myself that it was my Dad’s 90^th birthday – or it would have been had he lived. My Dad was part of that great generation of hard-working determined people who lived to protect and provide for their families. With six kids to raise and feed, he had to work long hours and was often exhausted when he came home. He was a typical Stoic Scotsman who kept most of his feelings to himself, but he was also a fair man who treated us all well.

            Dad was proud of what each of my siblings and I accomplished, but he never really expressed it in words. However, we felt both his pride and love in other unspoken ways – a brightness in his eyes, a pleasant smile, or even just a pat on the back at the right time. As he grew older, he became more comfortable in communicating his feelings and we all cherished his approval.

            Today’s highlighted verses tell us about God’s great love for Jesus and how He expressed His love for His Son. We see God’s wonderful affection and deep pride in Jesus. It must have been a beautiful moment and blessing to each of them. The great thing about this event is this: Jesus has provided each of us with both God’s favor and delight. Christ’s death on the Cross not only paid the price for our sins, it also opened up the way to the loving-kindness and great goodness of God. Just as the Father was proud of His Son, God can now cherish and embrace us in the same way.

            No matter who you are or what you’ve done; no matter how you’re feeling or what you’re going through, please know this: You are a beloved child of God, lifted up by His grace, and cherished by Him forever.

Personal reflection

Do I know that God loves me? Am I willing to share that gift with others?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for restoring us to God’s love. We are truly grateful for all that You have accomplished with Your sacrifice. Help us to share this great news with our families and friends. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s Bible drawings called ‘The Baptism.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Baptism.

Short devotion: Paper Cup Font - Romans 6:5

Romans 6:5    If we have been united with Christ like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.

            I was once asked to perform a baptism by an elderly couple in a hospital room. Both of them were in their seventies and the husband couldn't remember if he had ever been baptized. He was dying of cancer and only had weeks to live. They were both anxious about this, so I did the baptism in the room within minutes of being asked.

            It was a beautiful experience. I remember using a paper cup as a font and the patient’s bed tray as an altar. I had a pocket New Testament with me from which I read scripture pertaining to Christ’s baptism. I asked the elderly man if he believed in Jesus and if he wanted to be baptized. He simply said, “Yes, I do.” All three of us then joined hands and I said a prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to bless and sanctify the water, as well as each one of us. I poured a little of the water over the husband’s hair and thumbed a cross on his forehead. To this date, it was one of the most sacred sacraments that I have ever completed. Smiles and tears were shared like Communion bread and wine. We all embraced each other and our hugs became the passing of Christ’s Peace.

            A couple of weeks later, we laid the old man to rest in his grave. His elderly wife was at peace throughout the ceremony. I like to think that she knew her husband’s soul was safe in the arms of Jesus. The baptism had united him to Christ’s death and resurrection.

            Paul reminds us that our baptisms eternally connect us to Christ. We die to sin and live for Christ in baptism. We go from a mortal life to an eternal existence; we pass through the waters of woe to the River of Life. Our baptism is our crossing of the Jordan, from humanity to divinity, from a dusty planet to the Kingdom of God. It’s a beautiful blessing and one which everyone in the world should get to experience.

Questions for personal reflection

What does baptism mean to me? How has it shaped my life and faith?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the wonderful gift of baptism which not only brings us into the community of faith, but also unites us eternally with You. Remind us of this special blessing and help us to positively share it with other people, so that they may be drawn closer to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s drawing of Christ’s baptism. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6924951609_4fc7a8a94e_b.jpg