Today is a very special day as we gather with the Evitts family as they celebrate the safe arrival of Daisy with her dedication and the baptism of Riley. Daisy is a miracle baby, a testament to the practices of the modern medical world and the answers to prayers by so many people and thanks to God’s grace. We celebrate Daisy’s first birthday by dedicating her to Jesus and praying for her family. Riley’s decision to follow the example of Jesus by being baptised is another step in the life of this young child who is all too quickly becoming a teenager. We have watched Riley grow into a caring person who has a determination to achieve rarely seen in young children. For example, riding a push bike from Melbourne to Adelaide when he was just 8 and his interest and achievements playing football. Riley’s love and care for young Daisy is testament to his caring nature. However, as Riley would know, his decision to be baptised is a calling from God. He is aware of his need to have a spiritual Saviour and this is achieved by following Jesus. Even Jesus consented to being baptised, how much more important is it for us to humble ourselves to the point of baptism?
Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”
But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.
After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” Matthew 3:13-17, NLT.
Pray for the Evitts family and for all our young people. Pray that they will make wise choices for their future, now and for eternity. Pray that our young people will follow Jesus. Consider your own life, are you a follower of Jesus? If not, consider following Him today.