This baptismal scene makes me...
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This baptismal scene makes me think of that which is reverent and holy -- quiet and, in a sense, "pastoral." But I don't think it really captures the spirit of the event, not as Jesus lived out his baptism.
In an old favorite comedy sketch, two hobos are eating their lunch from two tin cans they have opened with dull pocketknives. As they deliberate their auspicious banquet, one of the hobos happens to turn his posterior toward the fire. As comedy would have it, the seat of his pants is ignited and begins to burn rather slowly. Then the reality finally hits the mark; the hobo jumps and runs trying to put out the fire. Comments the other hobo, "I've never seen him jump and run so fast."
It would seem to me that our getting baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire would have this same effect. It surely made a difference in our Lord's life. His next three years proved to be a firehouse of excitement, enthusiasm, and running for his Father.
Maybe that is why God declared, "This is my beloved Son; with whom I am well pleased."
In an old favorite comedy sketch, two hobos are eating their lunch from two tin cans they have opened with dull pocketknives. As they deliberate their auspicious banquet, one of the hobos happens to turn his posterior toward the fire. As comedy would have it, the seat of his pants is ignited and begins to burn rather slowly. Then the reality finally hits the mark; the hobo jumps and runs trying to put out the fire. Comments the other hobo, "I've never seen him jump and run so fast."
It would seem to me that our getting baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire would have this same effect. It surely made a difference in our Lord's life. His next three years proved to be a firehouse of excitement, enthusiasm, and running for his Father.
Maybe that is why God declared, "This is my beloved Son; with whom I am well pleased."
