“And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased’.” Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus’ baptism begins his ministry story. The heavens rip apart. The Spirit hovers. God says, “I’m well pleased”. The Gospel suddenly transitions from Matthew’s birth narratives into what God has planned from the beginning. Everything is about to change.

Transitions can be unsettling. However, they can also mark an unfolding new chapter of our own stories. If you are facing a transition and things seem a bit messy, remember the Spirit hovers over you, too. You are not alone. Change can be hard, but the heavens are waiting to open. Trust your heart; listen to that voice that says to you, “You are my child, my beloved.” The story is about to get even more interesting. Things are about to change.

Prayer: Lord, help us to feel the Spirit hovering over us as we go through times of transition. Remind us that we, too, are your beloved children called to follow you as our story continues. Amen.
Deaconess Diane Marten
Indianapolis, IN