Pursuing LIFE: Life Identity

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17,
21-22

We
begin a new year with expectation.  We think about what has happened
in our past and we hope for change.  We wonder what will unfold
before us.  The people in the reading from Luke had the same feelings. 
What unfolded before them is God's love in the person of Jesus.

Jesus'
identity is revealed through John's prophetic words and then by a voice
from heaven.  He comes with power to judge (fire).  It sounds
threatening, and yet we discover that his judgment is filled with mercy
and love.  It is that judgment that shapes us and gives us identity.

In our baptism that
judgment is made known.  Like Jesus, we are assured that we are
known fully, treasured deeply, loved completely. We are identified
with Christ in baptism.  God comes to us and says to us, "You
are my child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."