Isaiah 42:1-5, Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 3:13-17

Tattoos are not just for Popeye and other sailors these days! Somewhere between Generation X and Millennials tattoo parlors have increased a hundred fold! (I’m guessing!). Young adults like their tattoos. A mark, a sign, an image, a badge of identity. These messages of bodily ink tell us something about the person’s values, interests, and sense of who they are or aspire to be.

And that thought gets me to Baptism, a sign, a gift, an identity. And that sign comes from God and says cleansing, promise, Death and Resurrection, a “mark of belonging!” Baptism is our beginning in Christ and ultimately our Ending in Christ.

In our scriptures for today Isaiah is saying God’s promises are to be trusted and we are to long for their fulfillment. Matthew has the unexpected Baptism of Jesus (He doesn’t need this!!!!?”) by the prophet John who says this baptism is for “repentance.” Jesus is without sin! Yet, the sign is given and God is “well pleased with His Son.” This Son will now baptize with the “Holy Spirit and fire!” Power and purification!

There are many sermons in the making regarding baptism, but Sunday will focus on Jesus’ baptism, while we will each be called to consider the Christian “marks” upon each of us including our baptism.

If you have a tattoo….you will NOT be asked to show it, unless you want to! But you will be asked to consider your baptism, your covenant with God, your life in the Holy Spirit!

As Acts 10:43 says, “….everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

And so we confess our faith in this year 2020~† See you in worship this Sunday!

Pastor Barry