The One Who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit and Fire

Prayer-Soldier

The One Who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit and Fire

Scripture:

Behold my servant, I will uphold him: my elect, my soul delights in him: I have given my spirit upon him, he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor have respect to person, neither shall his voice be heard abroad. The bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not be sad, nor troublesome, till he set judgment in the earth: and the islands shall wait for his law.

I the Lord have called you in justice, and taken you by the hand, and preserved you. And I have given you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles: That you might open the eyes of the blind, and bring forth the prisoner out of prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
(Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7)

And Peter opening his mouth, said: In very deed I perceive, that God is not a respecter of persons. But in every nation, he that fears him, and works justice, is acceptable to him.

God sent the word to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all.) You know the word which has been published through all Judea: for it began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached, Jesus of Nazareth: how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit, and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
( Acts 10:34-38 )

And as the people were of opinion, and all were thinking in their hearts of John, that perhaps he might be the Christ; John answered, saying unto all: I indeed baptize you with water; but there shall come one mightier than I, the latches of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire:

Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, heaven was opened; and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased.
(Luke 3:15-16, 21-22)

Reflection:

As we look around us, we cannot help but realize there are forces in play much greater than we. In the scheme of all things, we might ask, what is the difference between us and a pebble of sand? We exist, then we die. For what purpose is all of this, we might wonder? The generations flow, but what is our meaning, when in a blink of an eye, all which was formed by us decays and returns to dust?

It is a bleak realization to think that in a moment of time, great things rise, fall, and cease to be. Indeed, what is our purpose if from nothing we came and to nothing we shall return? Our legacy is found in the flow of generations. Memories of what we did poorly and what we did well passes from those who surround us until memories fade and memorials crumble, then, we are no more. Who will remain to know we were ever here? Our purpose only survives if there is an eternity in which we might participate. The question becomes, how will we get there and who will guide on the journey?

There is One, sent by God for the blessings of all the children of His creation, who calls to us so we might follow Him to His eternal kingdom. He was sent as a demonstration of and so all might know the love of the Father. He was sent to help the generations see the blessings of love and all which might be shared as we observe His commandments to love Him and one another. (cf. Matthew 22:36-40)

The only begotten Son of God had no need of baptism, for He was not blemished with original sin or concupiscence. There was nothing to wash away to prepare for entry into the kingdom where evil is not allowed to reside. He received the baptism by John the Baptist in obedience to the Father, so that all righteousness might be fulfilled. (cf. Matthew 3:15)

He walked among the people as an example, the servant leader, the One who pointed the way; the path of love. His baptism was not necessary to remove that which was not within Him, but to foreshadow what He would receive and conquer from upon the cross; the sins of the whole world formed across the generations ? the evil which separates us from the Father. Throughout His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfilled all righteousness. He suffered so that He might conquer death and defeat the designs of the evil one. This was done so we might turn from our weaknesses and receive the embrace of His strength; His embrace of love.

Let us, then, lift up our thanks and praise in prayer. Let us look to Him and the Light He brings. Let us ask for the Holy Spirit, the Advocate sent to remind us of all which He taught and all truth (cf. John 14:16-17, 26, 1 John 5:6), to reside within us. Let us allow Him to lead us in our purpose. Let us ask Him to guide us in our goals and our decisions. Let us allow Him to open our hearts to the blessings of His eternal love. Let us follow the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire; the purifying fire of His eternal love.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways might we come to know the One sent to bring forth justice to the nations?

How might we act in ways acceptable to the Lord?

In what ways may we help to fulfill all righteousness?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier