Warriors Arise: July 6, 2023
Matthew 3:13-14 (NKJV) Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
Why did John say he needed to be baptized by Jesus? Remember what he said earlier.
Matthew 3:11 (NKJV) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Before Jesus arrives or before John recognizes who Jesus is, John states that was there to baptize people with water unto repentance. He does not say, "When He comes, He will take over what I am doing and baptize all of us with water unto repentance." He says, "He who is coming after me is mightier than I…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." When John is telling Jesus he needs to be baptized by Him, maybe he has been waiting for someone who is of greater authority than himself to baptize him. Maybe he realizes even though he has been preaching about baptism, he has not been baptized or that baptism BY dunking himself doesn't count, now that there is someone greater than him. He is getting all worked up about order and authority or maybe it is honor and majesty. He can't imagine baptizing the Messiah, the Savior of the world. How does he have the authority to baptize Him?
When someone greater is in the room does that make what you have done any less important or insignificant or undermined? I am pretty sure in some fashion, John had been baptized. With how fiery he is and shouting out to the Pharisees and Sadducees, as he did, I do not think he would do less that what he is telling others they need to do. He is now standing in the presence of Holiness. Jesus Christ, the Messiah is here. He is wanting John to baptize Him. John understanding the awesomeness of the moment. In the presence of holiness, he is undone. It reminds me of Isaiah and his throne room experience.
Isaiah 6:5 (NKJV) So I said:
“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”
John is having an "undone" moment. Jesus is coming to him and asking to be baptized. I totally think I would be a babbling mess or I would fall on my face like Joshua, when the Lord of Hosts comes to him outside of Jericho. As much as I desire to be in the actual, physical presence of God, I believe I would totally be undone. However, if He comes, I hope I still my mind, listen to what He is saying, and do as He has said. If I feel as comfortable as Abraham, maybe I can ask questions or make my petitions known; however, above all, I want to listen carefully and do as He says. I do not want to be babbling so much that I don't know what He wants me to do.
Father, I come before You today and quiet myself. I will remain faithful to what you ave placed in my hands to do. I want to be bold enough to confront matters that need to be and serve those who are willing to receive what You have given me to do. I pray my heart is full of your compassion and love. I pray my mind is steady on Your Word and my hands are doing what you have called me to do. You are always with me. You are always for me. You guide me into righteousness and I live to worship You. I bless Your name and all that You are. Thank You for bringing peace to my life in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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