Just inside the front door of our church is a bowl of water. Each time I see it I am reminded of the water of baptism. When Jesus went to the river to be baptized he knelt down in the water and the heavens opened. And the Bible says that people there that day heard God's voice speaking. God said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

So when I see the water in our church I think about those words that God spoke over those waters so long ago. The reason God's affirmation is so memorable is that Jesus was just starting out when God said them. Jesus was new to ministry. He had not healed anybody or walked on water. He had not multiplied loaves of bread or distinguished himself in any way. So when God told Jesus he was the apple of God's eye, it was because God really loved Jesus unconditionally. God loved him before he did anything to distinguish himself or earn any praise. God just loved him for who he was, right from the get-go.

Each time I see that water I try to remember again that God loves me without reservation too. It is not always easy to remember that. When I baptize an infant I remind the family that God loves this child before she walks. God loves this baby before he talks, or smiles. God's love won't ever depend on whether this child makes a soccer goal, or makes it into a good college, or makes partner at the firm. That is not how God works. God just loves us. I think in a world where most of us get knocked around and have our self-confidence challenged almost every day, we need things that remind us of God's affirmation.

Wherever you are on your journey, and whatever you do or fail to do, I hope that you remember the way that God smiled on Jesus when he came to the river to begin his faith journey. And I hope that whatever has led you to this river of faith, you sense that God is smiling on you in much the same way.

Peace,

Susan

 

revsusan (at) needhamucc.org

The Congregational Church of Needham