Introduction

In 1991, while serving as the pastor of First Lutheran Church, Potter, Neb., and Grace Lutheran Church, Gurley, Neb., I prepared a second series of six daily devotions, calling the collection “Baptized in the Name: Devotions for the Harvest.” This is the fourth in the collection.

Reading: Mark 1:9-15

“In the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit.” (Martin Luther’s Flood Prayer, Holy Baptism, Lutheran Book of Worship, p. 122)

Devotion

At his Baptism, Christ saw the Spirit descend upon him and heard his Father’s voice. This event empowered him to withstand the devil’s temptation and to proclaim the coming of God’s reign.

We too receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at Baptism and we hear the voice of God say, “You are my child.” Through these gifts, we receive the strength to say “No” to the offers of Satan and to speak the Good News of God’s reign.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, stir up the gift of your Spirit in us, that we may proclaim the Good News of your Reign, promised to us in our Holy Baptism; in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Ut in Omnibus Glorificetur Deus