Coronavirus and the Baptism of Jesus

Normally, I am content with writing my own blog; however, I found this devotional written by Craig Denison 

In Matthew 3:16-17 we find one of the key stories of our Christian faith.  It reads: And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lightening upon him: (emphasis added).  There is such richness in these words!  For the purposes of this devotional, I would like to focus on the words, “…Spirit of God descending… and lightning upon him.”  Clearly, God was pleased with his Son.  In addition to blessing Jesus, it was at this time, according to Craig Denison, author of the First 15, the Spirit came to humanity.  A resource was made available to all.  It was this “resource”, this “Spirit”, that came upon you and me when we repented, accepted Jesus Christ as our savior and were baptized.  In Acts 2:38 Peter said: Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This “gift” is ours; it is a “resource” that is owned by each baptized Christian.  We do not want to leave it “untapped.”

We are living in “uncharted waters.”  The current Coronavirus-19 attack has been likened to the Great Depression of the 1930s or the Spanish Flu of 1917-18.  Few, if any, of our number at the Mansions have memories of either of these devasting times in our nation’s history.  This is a time that may call forth emotions such as fear, confusion, anxiety, and mistrust, to name only a few of a whole range of feelings.

As we search for ways to counter these troublesome emotions, it is time to remember the “gift”, the “resource” that God has given each of us.  We must remember to not leave the gift of the Holy Spirit untapped.   It is important to remember Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17: Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (Emphasis added).  Yes indeed, no matter how dark the woods maybe, God is present, ready to be our guide, our support, our comforter.  Do not leave this valuable resource “untapped.”

Stay safe, and remember He cares for you!

 JimR_/