Week 5

This week I read Matthew 3 and pondered on the baptism of Jesus Christ.  One verse I specifically liked was v11 which reads:
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire

I like that John the Baptist knew that he did not have the authority to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost, but he knew that he could only baptize people with water.  The baptism of water is a symbol of repentance that says that we have left our old life behind and want to follow Christ.  It is also said to "wash away our sins", but it is important to follow it with the baptism of fire which "purifies".

Later in the chapter, Christ comes and is baptized by John and then the Holy Ghost descends upon Him.  I love the symbolism in this chapter.  

I am grateful for a Loving Heavenly Father who gives us opportunity to change our lives and live a higher calling in life!