It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
The one who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit is first baptized. Jesus, who has no need of baptism because he is without sin, identifies with sinners so that we may be united to him, born again in him, through water of the Spirit.
Thus says the LORD:
All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
We come to the water that Jesus sanctifies. The Holy Spirit comes down upon Jesus in the water and the water is made holy. The waters of the flood give way to new life as the Spirit descends like a dove. We who have nothing are offered everything in baptism, offered a whole new world, the solid ground of a new creation. We who were poor are invited to the feast of God.
You who have no money,
come, receive grain and eat;
come, without paying and without cost,
drink wine and milk!
We are called to seek the LORD while he may be found. We go to him because we know that he offers the living water of the Holy Spirit, not just at baptism, but again and again. Through the Spirit he heals those oppressed by the devil, for God is with him. This living water he gives to all who seek him, all who long to keep his commandments, all who accept his testimony. It is the same water, first sanctified in the baptism of Jesus, that is poured out upon the world from the cross. It is the same living water that rushes upon the disciples in Pentecost, and on disciples in every age. This, then, must be the point for us. We have been baptized. But there is more of this sacred water for us. We need to be refreshed by these currents of grace today. Where do we find them and how ought we to seek them?
For just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
and do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
so shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
my word shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.
God's very word has the power to refresh us, to heal us, and to unleash his Spirit within us. May we allow the word to rain down upon us so that it can reign within us. May we drink deeply of the word so that we can enjoy times of refreshment which God so longs to give.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
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