When Jesus Appears… In the Water!

Reading time: two minutes.

Yes, yes, I know: God is hidden.  He’s chosen not to appear in  theophanies before us and shout, “I am the Lord God!”, but He’s not that hidden.  I saw Him this morning.

In this season of Epiphany we remember the work of God the Holy Spirit making Jesus known in word and in power.  God is indeed hidden from the view of our senses, but He is constantly making Himself known to those who have receive the gift of faith by the Spirit.

Have you seen Jesus this morning?  Would you like to see Jesus today?  Do you NEED to see Jesus?  Take a look in the water.  He’s looking right back at you.This walk of faith is not easy.  The road is fraught with pitfalls we didn’t see coming and sharp turns around which we cannot see.  Each day brings a new hardship or greets us with the same burden we bore yesterday.  As we trudge by faith through this life, it’s easy to become discouraged, frustrated and to feel a little lost.

It would be nice to get a glimpse of Jesus from time to time along the journey.

When life puts puddles in your path, stop, bend down and take a look in the water.  Luther said in the Large Catechism, “We always have access to baptism so that we may again subdue the old man.”

That’s the old me slugging along through the messes and stresses of daily life, wondering where God is, wondering who I am and what I’m doing, how I’m going to make it through another day.  My baptism reminds me that Jesus is always by my side, taking this journey with me and in me and through me.

Stop at one of the puddles in your life today.  Gaze into the water of your own baptism, God’s seal and promise of His Spirit, Christ living in you.  See and believe that God is not hidden, but He’s right beside you, loving you, blessing you, confirming you once again His own dear child.

Your baptism is who you are.  The potholes, puddles and pitfalls do not define you.  The presence of Jesus by your side as you navigate the road of life is what defines you.

He’s not hidden.  He’s right there in the water.

Thanks for reading.

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