External vs. Internal Influence

Scripture: John proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:7-8

Observation: John's ministry in the wilderness is marked by two elements. The first is baptism - the ceremonial cleansing of the people for sin - and the second is the alignment of John to the prophet predicted by Isaiah that would precede the Messiah. John himself declares the message of the second element, stating that Messiah is coming. He performs the first element, baptizing people in the Jordan river.

However, John is also very clear about this baptism. This is just a ceremonial washing. It involves confession of sin, and then dunking as a way of symbolically washing away past mistakes. John clearly tells everyone that ALL he is doing is baptizing with water, and this is differentiated from the Messiah's future act of baptism, which will involve the introduction of the Holy Spirit into people's lives.

Messiah - Jesus - brings a new definition of baptism ... one where people can confess their sins, be ceremonial washed, and emerge as a new creation filled with the Holy Spirit. What John is doing might look exactly the same, but he is very clear and explicit that it is not the same.

Application: This is a recurring theme in understanding the difference Jesus makes in the world ... the theme that there are many things that "look" like goodness in the world, but they are not the same as faith in Jesus and life in the kingdom of heaven. The list of words, deeds, attitudes, and actions that have the appearance of goodness, love, caring, and even belief, is extensive. And many of these items are so much better than the alternative ways people could act. However, we also see how such behavior also creates division and even violence.

Faith in Jesus is much different than "being good". This is because Jesus happens to us on the inside. My external life should change with that internal change, but it will be the Holy Spirit that motivates me, and not an external 'washing' that produces any internal result.

Prayer: Lord, once again I ask for more of the Holy Spirit in my life. May I live in the Spirit today, making decisions based on your influence in my heart. I look to your power in my life as all I need to sustain me and guide me. Amen.