The Jesse Tree: Day 19
RIVER
As we’ve said throughout this study, advent is about waiting. But it’s not a passive waiting. It’s living in the tension between what is and what is coming; between the world as it is and the world God promises. In Luke 3, John the Baptist stands at the river, calling people to prepare the way for the King. He doesn’t call for moral perfection, but repentance, a turning of our hearts toward God.
To be clear, the river isn’t just water. It’s a symbol of cleansing, preparation, and new life. John’s baptism reminds us that our efforts alone are not enough. We cannot make ourselves righteous; we cannot save ourselves. We step into the river not to prove our worth, but to recognize our need. As John proclaimed, we cannot rely on ancestry, wealth, or status, we are called to bear fruit in keeping with repentance, to share generously, and to live faithfully in the waiting.
Which makes Jesus’ baptism so confusing… because when Jesus enters the Jordan, he isn’t baptized for sin (he is sinless), but rather to model obedience, to dedicate himself fully to God’s will, and to show that the kingdom is breaking into our world. The heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and God declares, “You are my beloved Son.” This is not only affirmation for Jesus; it’s an invitation for us. Like the dove in the flood, the Spirit signals deliverance and new life. Like Abraham being prepared to sacrifice Isaac, God shows that in Christ, judgment is met, and love prevails.
Advent invites us to step into this river ourselves. We bring our insufficiency, doubts, and brokenness, and find that God meets us there. Waiting is hard, even John the Baptist struggled to wait, we see this as he later sits in prison filled with doubt and wondering if Jesus is going to bring in the Kingdom of God or not. But the river keeps flowing, regardless of the strength of our faith, whether the world is chaotic or peaceful. Stepping into the waters of Christ’s baptism is a visible sign that our need is met, that we are made clean, and that God’s kingdom is breaking in.
Step into the river. Let your heart be made ready. Trust the One whose baptism opens heaven, descends as the Spirit, and declares: You are beloved. Through him, we are washed, restored, and raised to worthiness, not by our own striving, but by the faithful love of King Jesus, our cleansing river, and the source of our eternal identity.
To be clear, the river isn’t just water. It’s a symbol of cleansing, preparation, and new life. John’s baptism reminds us that our efforts alone are not enough. We cannot make ourselves righteous; we cannot save ourselves. We step into the river not to prove our worth, but to recognize our need. As John proclaimed, we cannot rely on ancestry, wealth, or status, we are called to bear fruit in keeping with repentance, to share generously, and to live faithfully in the waiting.
Which makes Jesus’ baptism so confusing… because when Jesus enters the Jordan, he isn’t baptized for sin (he is sinless), but rather to model obedience, to dedicate himself fully to God’s will, and to show that the kingdom is breaking into our world. The heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and God declares, “You are my beloved Son.” This is not only affirmation for Jesus; it’s an invitation for us. Like the dove in the flood, the Spirit signals deliverance and new life. Like Abraham being prepared to sacrifice Isaac, God shows that in Christ, judgment is met, and love prevails.
Advent invites us to step into this river ourselves. We bring our insufficiency, doubts, and brokenness, and find that God meets us there. Waiting is hard, even John the Baptist struggled to wait, we see this as he later sits in prison filled with doubt and wondering if Jesus is going to bring in the Kingdom of God or not. But the river keeps flowing, regardless of the strength of our faith, whether the world is chaotic or peaceful. Stepping into the waters of Christ’s baptism is a visible sign that our need is met, that we are made clean, and that God’s kingdom is breaking in.
Step into the river. Let your heart be made ready. Trust the One whose baptism opens heaven, descends as the Spirit, and declares: You are beloved. Through him, we are washed, restored, and raised to worthiness, not by our own striving, but by the faithful love of King Jesus, our cleansing river, and the source of our eternal identity.
Pause to reflect
What parts of your life feel dry or burdened, and how might God be calling you to step into the river this Advent?
In what ways can you prepare your heart to receive Jesus’ cleansing and guidance, even amid uncertainty or doubt?
In what ways can you prepare your heart to receive Jesus’ cleansing and guidance, even amid uncertainty or doubt?
God of the river and the wilderness, help us to step into your waters with open hearts. Wash away our striving, our fear, and our doubt, and remind us that we are beloved. Prepare our hearts to receive your kingdom, and give us courage to follow the path of Jesus, your Son. Amen.
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