Sharing the Blessing

Last Sunday was Baptism of the Lord Sunday. In the Gospel of Matthew (3:13ff) we see that Jesus begins his ministry by being baptized.

Matthew tells us that in his baptism, the heavens were opened and the Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove. And the Father speaks, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Yesterday we reflected on the fact that before Jesus ever begins, before he has done anything to earn it or deserve it, he is rooted and grounded in God’s love… And so are we.

I once heard a pastor talk about how in the Bible, God speaks into people’s lives and loves them into their futures. God tells Jeremiah, “Before I even created you, I knew you and set you apart.” God speaks to Jesus, “You are my son, the beloved.” Jesus tells the disciples, “You didn’t choose me. I choose you.” James says, “You are the first fruits.” Paul says, “You are blessed, chosen, redeemed, forgiven, saved…”

This pastor made the point that just as God speaks into people’s lives and loves them into their futures, we too have that ability – simply by – lifting up what we already know to be true about them. Think about this. How many of you had inspiring, encouraging, or affirming words spoken to you years ago about your worth, your value, your future, and how those words shaped you? I know many people actually carry those words around with them their entire lives. 

I just wonder, I wonder if there might be people in your life who need to hear a blessing from you…

And so today, I leave you with this blessing: May you know God’s unconditional acceptance and love for you in the very deepest part of your being. And may that be a gift that is yours to share with a world desperately in need.  

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for your unconditional love for us. We thank you that before we have done anything to earn it or deserve it, you have claimed us as your own. Help us to live and give out of that deep sense of knowing; through Christ our Lord. Amen.