photo #7857424

What Jesus Did! 'The Heavens Split Apart' — Mark 1:10 Monday, January 8, 2024 As Jesus came up out of the water [after his baptism], he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. — Mark 1:10 NLT Key Thought Something dramatic, earthshaking, and eternally significant happened in Jesus' baptism. All who witnessed this event, and all of us who read about it, can't escape the power and significance of this moment. The heavens were torn apart. [1] The distance between God in heaven and mortals was collapsed. The Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove on Jesus to show God's approval, blessing, and anointing of Jesus as his Son, the King. Jesus' baptism was a turning point — not just for Jesus, but for us as well. Our baptism, though clearly not as dramatic as the Lord's, is a turning point, too. We need to think about the significance of both the Lord's baptism and our own. [1] Mark 1:10 NRSV. Today's Prayer Father, I thank you for a clear marker in my past that designates the turning point of my life. Jesus is my Lord. You are my Father. The power of the Holy Spirit lives in me. I praise you and thank you for a fresh start and the power to have a new beginning. Please help me share this freshness of your grace with others. In Jesus' name. Amen. Related Scripture Readings 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Acts 22:6-16 Galatians 2:20