January 13, 2008

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First Sunday after the Epiphany

Baptism of the Lord

Please read:

Matthew 3:13-17

Read also:

Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.  John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented.
And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

--- Matthew 3:13-17

       .     Well Pleased      .

Ever think of Yahweh as a pleasure-loving God?

Well, like it or not, that’s the nature of deity.

And what is it that brings God pleasure?

When God beholds a human being

totally yielded to his will and purpose,

determined to fulfill all righteousness,

and tell it to the world,

a servant, spirit filled,

set on bringing forth justice to the nations,

and light in the darkness,

and freedom to the oppressed,

that’s when God smiles

and sings an ancient refrain:

“This is my child,

     my beloved.

     I am well pleased.”

When contemplating that which brings God pleasure

It’s good to note we too may be God’s treasure.

--- rvc

*** D I S C L A I M E R ***

The Weekly Lessons are based on the lectionary texts for the week – usually the Gospel lesson. They are not designed as a formal commentary.  Rather, they are the personal reflections and original compositions of The Relay Online editor, Rev. Robin Van Cleef, and offer a jumping off point, using the scriptures as triggers to thought, imagination, and (we hope) empowerment.  As you read them, let your own imagination play, and let the Spirit speak to you, leading you where it will.  The Gospel Lessons reflected on this site may not be copied, reproduced or otherwise manipulated elsewhere on the internet without the expressed consent of the author.  Please also note that while we're unable to quote Bible scripture on these pages, it is permissible to redirect our viewers to Bible passages using hyperlinks to web sites having that authority.

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