Knowing What You Know

Scripture

The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! …. I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptising with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.’ ….‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptise with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.” I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.’ (John 1:29,32-34 NIVUK)

 Knowing What You Know

He’s been living rough for a few years but drawing big crowds for his impassioned calls to change direction and act justly, in anticipation of one who will really transform people. He knows he is setting the stage for someone else but doesn’t know him – until one day he’s baptising a long line of people in the Jordan River.  

Surprised to see Jesus next in line and after questioning why he would be baptizing him instead of the other way around, he takes him by the arms and dunks him in the river, just like all the rest. Except this time a mysterious dove-like Spirit descends and rests on Jesus – and John sees and knows the Holy One of God. 

Most mornings for the last few months I have been using Celtic Daily Prayer from the Northumbria Community - it has been life-giving for me and for many others with whom I’ve shared it. 

I particularly like the Morning Prayer “Declaration of Faith”; To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have come to know and believe that You are the Holy One of God. It’s a refreshingly simple and widely expansive statement of faith while staying centred on Jesus.  

We may go through our own rough patches like John, but we can also see and know Jesus in life-giving ways this opening of the year. We are called to be transformed by the same Spirit that descended on Jesus that day in the Jordan River.

A Prayer for Today

Most powerful Holy Spirit, come down upon us and subdue us.
From heaven, where the ordinary is made glorious, and glory seems but ordinary,
bathe us with the brilliance of Your light like dew.
(From Celtic Daily Prayer Book One, Wm.Collins)