June 25

Of the vast throng at the Jordan, few except John discerned the heavenly vision. Yet the solemnity of the divine Presence rested upon the assembly. The people stood silently gazing upon Christ. His form was bathed in the light that ever surrounds the throne of God. His upturned face was glorified as they had never before seen the face of man. From the open heavens a voice was heard saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." .

          Desire of Ages, page 113 from the chapter, 'The baptism'

         Wouldn’t we all want to have been there? God could, I guess, have whispered a prayer in Jesus’ ear but chose instead to express Himself to His Son so that a whole crowd could hear.

     Sadly, our account is a little confusing here. We read a ‘few except John’ heard the voice. We cannot really tell if only John heard the words as the wording suggests that there is the possibility that a few more people heard the words of God.

      What we do know is that down by the riverside a whole crowd of different people watched the baptism. Baptisms are not meant to be private affairs. Baptisms are not meant to be personal affairs either. The baptism is about God, not the person being baptised.

     There were many who listened to the words of John who repented and were baptised along with Jesus. There were those who were simply there to criticise. Not everyone heard the voice of God. If you haven’t heard God’s voice don’t immediately think that you are not worthy. Assume that God knows His business and that there is continuing hope for you.

     Two sisters and a brother, the Clark family singing Bluegrass are called, The Purple Hulls. Here they sing Bryn’s choice, ‘No power in the water’. Please click on the picture to listen.