2020 Vision: Seeing From Heaven's Perspective

In his book entitled simply Prayers, Michel Quoist pens these words: “Lord, I would like to rise very high above my city, above my place, above my time. Lord, I would like to borrow your eyes.”

There is a profound difference between the way things are seen through sinful eyes and the eyes of faith, or through the eyes of Jesus. People tend to look at outward appearances as they form their opinions and values. Generally, we are impressed by people who occupy positions of prestige and power. Pomp and ceremony, wealth and possession also catch our eye.

Generally, we are impressed by people who occupy positions of prestige and power. Pomp and ceremony, wealth and possession also catch our eye. How different things and people look when we see them through heavenly eyes, from the high vantage point of God. God seeks out the simple, the humble—things and people—to accomplish his purpose. That was set before our eyes again this past Christmas season. The way of the world is to celebrate in a noisy, glitzy, and glamorous fashion. God’s way is so different! A hymn says it well:

How different things and people look when we see them through heavenly eyes, from the high vantage point of God. God seeks out the simple, the humble—things and people—to accomplish his purpose. That was set before our eyes again this past Christmas season. The way of the world is to celebrate in a noisy, glitzy, and glamorous fashion. God’s way is so different! A hymn says it well:

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given But God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. (LW 59, 60, stanza 3)

We are in the year 2020, a brand new year on the calendar. And with the turning of the page on the calendar this New Year should remind us of the necessity of 2020 Vision. You see, God is looking for a special kind of people that will make a difference for good in this world. Where does he look? Among the movers and shakers of the world? The haughty, the high, and the mighty? No. God has 2020 Vision Himself and He says, “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word: (). On this day, the Baptism of our Lord, It is my prayer that God will move through his Word today to give us 2020 Vision, Eyes to See from Heaven’s Perspective.

Isaiah 66:2 NKJV

2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.

Jesus’ Journeys to the Jordan

Setting the scene: The area is not much to look at. It is not impressive to human eyes. It’s desert—bare and foreboding.

B. Naaman the leper’s response when told to go bathe seven times in the Jordan () illustrates human contempt for the muddy river. Yet Jesus went out to be baptized in the Jordan. To human eyes, Jesus didn’t look very impressive either. Isaiah the prophet had said it: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” (53:2). His place of birth, Bethlehem, was unimpressive. His home town was a humble place; could any good thing come out of Nazareth? He came from a humble family; is not this the son of Joseph the carpenter? Seen with human eyes, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry there was nothing in him to impress people.

Naaman the leper’s response when told to go bathe seven times in the Jordan () illustrates human contempt for the muddy river. Yet Jesus went out to be baptized in the Jordan. To human eyes, Jesus didn’t look very impressive either. Isaiah the prophet had said it: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” (53:2). His place of birth, Bethlehem, was unimpressive. His home town was a humble place; could any good thing come out of Nazareth? He came from a humble family; is not this the son of Joseph the carpenter? Seen with human eyes, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry there was nothing in him to impress people.

C. But John saw him with different eyes. When Jesus requested Baptism, John tried to deter him. Why? John was looking, first of all, at himself with a humble heart. He said, “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you.” John saw more than met the eye; he saw the Lamb of God who had come to take away the sin of the world (). He saw the One for whom he had come to prepare the way. He knew the One standing before him, asking to be baptized, was the One to come after him—the One who surpassed him ().

But John saw him with different eyes. When Jesus requested Baptism, John tried to deter him. Why? John was looking, first of all, at himself with a humble heart. He said, “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you.” John saw more than met the eye; he saw the Lamb of God who had come to take away the sin of the world (). He saw the One for whom he had come to prepare the way. He knew the One standing before him, asking to be baptized, was the One to come after him—the One who surpassed him ().

D. John did what Jesus requested. One question looms large here. Why did Jesus come to be baptized? Why did the sinless One want to take part in a baptism for repentance and forgiveness of sins? Jesus gives the answer: “It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (v 15). This also was part of God’s plan. John saw it and did not argue with it. He did what Jesus asked; he obeyed. He used his hands to help God fulfill the plan. What magnificent results were realized! Heaven opened! God gave John and Jesus eyes to see things that eyes do not usually see, and ears to hear things that ears do not usually hear. “This is My beloved Son!” From that humble beginning, Jesus went to the task of his ministry: seeking and saving the lost.

John did what Jesus requested. One question looms large here. Why did Jesus come to be baptized? Why did the sinless One want to take part in a baptism for repentance and forgiveness of sins? Jesus gives the answer: “It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (v 15). This also was part of God’s plan. John saw it and did not argue with it. He did what Jesus asked; he obeyed. He used his hands to help God fulfill the plan. What magnificent results were realized! Heaven opened! God gave John and Jesus eyes to see things that eyes do not usually see, and ears to hear things that ears do not usually hear. “This is My beloved Son!” From that humble beginning, Jesus went to the task of his ministry: seeking and saving the lost.

A Journey to Our Own Jordan

Our trip to the baptismal font. Picture it: parents and sponsors standing there, and the pastor reading from The Occasional Service Book. To human eyes this is such a simple, unimpressive thing. From a human perspective we can understand the response of Naaman when he was told to bathe in the Jordan. He was extremely angry. He commented that there were better rivers in Syria (). People wrestle with the meaning and purpose of baptism. What good can be accomplished by such a simple act? For answers, consult Luther’s Small Catechism. What are the blessings of Baptism? “It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this!”

The answer provokes a host of human questions. Who says so? How can this be? The answer: The beloved Son of God says so. God, who said “This is my beloved Son,” gives Baptism its power. He doesn’t ask us to understand it, to assess it scientifically, or dissect it. He asks us to do it, to act in faith. Naaman finally did—and look at the result. He was healed of his leprosy, and brought to faith in the Lord God of Israel.

B. The answer provokes a host of human questions. Who says so? How can this be? The answer: The beloved Son of God says so. God, who said “This is my beloved Son,” gives Baptism its power. He doesn’t ask us to understand it, to assess it scientifically, or dissect it. He asks us to do it, to act in faith. Naaman finally did—and look at the result. He was healed of his leprosy, and brought to faith in the Lord God of Israel.

So it is for us. God puts his name and claim upon us, and creates saving faith in our hearts. We are baptized into his name, adopted into the heavenly family. By grace we become sons and daughters of the heavenly Father. God says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. You are mine” ( RSV). All of the blessings which Jesus purchased through his ministry are offered to us in the humble, simple beginning place called Baptism. That promise is not founded on the word of a man; it is founded on the Word and promise of God.

So it is for us. God puts his name and claim upon us, and creates saving faith in our hearts. We are baptized into his name, adopted into the heavenly family. By grace we become sons and daughters of the heavenly Father. God says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. You are mine” ( RSV). All of the blessings which Jesus purchased through his ministry are offered to us in the humble, simple beginning place called Baptism. That promise is not founded on the word of a man; it is founded on the Word and promise of God.

A Daily Journey to and From Jordan

Back to our humble beginning. The Christian goes back each day to Baptism. We remember with a humble mind who and what we are by nature. God looks for that in us: “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word” (). We never outgrow the need to know that we are forgiven. As we daily remember our Baptism, we claim its promise and power. We receive heaven’s word: “You are my beloved child.” God gives us there our identity; there he proclaims that we are his significant people and that he has work for us to do.

In order to make his catechumens at Antioch realize the importance of responding to their Baptism, John Chrysostom explained it to them in simple language: “We have all signed a treaty with Christ, not with ink but with the Spirit, not with the pen but with our word. We have confessed the sovereignty of God and repudiated the tyranny of the devil. There you have the signature, the agreement, the contract.” Then he had each catechumen turn first to the west and say, “I detach myself from you, Satan, from your pomp, your worship, and your angels.” They would then turn toward the east and add, “And I attach myself to you, O Christ.” Such a daily remembrance for us could bear much fruit as we remember each day that Christ has made us his own.

The journey from Jordan. Jesus went from the Jordan to embark on his ministry. He calls on those who have received the blessing of Baptism in his name to go out into the world, to look at things and people through his eyes. How different life looks when we do! At first, the disciples saw little children as an unnecessary nuisance; but Jesus taught them to see children as people of God’s kingdom. We can look at people as problems to be avoided, or as opportunities for ministry in the name of heaven. All around us are opportunities to serve heaven by reaching out to help people on earth. With 2020 Vision, we can see those openings if we look at life through heavenly eyes.

Conclusion: An executive for a large charitable organization from the United States traveled to Africa during a time of famine. The hollow, haunting eyes and the distended stomachs produced by severe malnutrition and advanced stages of starvation wrenched his mind and heart. Finally, the moment came for him to return home. He went out to a landing strip to board a small plane which would take him to the larger city, where he would catch the jet for home. A woman met him at the air strip, holding a small child in her hands. She pleaded with him, “Sir, take my baby with you. If he stays here, he will die. If he goes with you, he can live.” The man was deeply moved, but knew he could not take the child with him. So he boarded the small plane, and as it taxied away, he looked over his shoulder and saw the woman holding the child in her arms with pleading in her eyes.

As he was winging his way toward home aboard the comfortable jet, he reflected on who that child was, and why his heart was torn. That child was one of the little children that Jesus invites to come to himself—a child for whom Jesus died, a child who would be lost forever without Jesus. And it is Jesus who beckons to us to minister in his name to the hurting, the hungry, the helpless—the needy of this world, that they too might believe in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and so be saved. He says, “I was hungry and you fed me. I was naked and you clothed me.” Lord, give us humble hearts and heavenly eyes. And then, Lord, give us helping hands to minister in your name.

The few weeks since Christmas are short compared to the approximately 30 years between Jesus’ birth and His baptism by John. Yet many in our world have already forgotten why His birth was so important. Other, as in Jesus’ own day, wait with eager or curious expectation to see what His mission in life will be. The baptism of Jesus “BEGINS” His public ministry. Line an “Inaugural Address,” this text outlines the credentials and anticipated “program for the coming years.

SO WHO . . . AND WHAT . . . IS THIS CHRIST!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Messiah Identifies with the Past.

He identifies with all people from Adam to John, who “need” to be baptized for forgiveness.

He claims a heritage with God’s covenant people, Israel; indeed, He is Israel (and God’s people) “reduced to one.”

Thus His mission involves forgiveness — for for His own sin but for the sin of all nations.

The Messiah Identifies with the Present (at His time).

The baby of Bethlehem is God’s Son (“His Son” —).

Psalm 2:7 NASB95

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.

This Messiah is also the “chosen servant” foretold by Isaiah, which whom God is “well pleased,” that is, whom God has accepted by grace to be His sacrifice for sin.

Jesus is baptized to “fulfill all righteousness” . . . “for now.” The fulfillment of God’s plan has begun, but Jesus’ mission moves from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

The Messiah’s Mission Points to the Future.

Prayer of the Church

Prayer of the Church

The Baptism of Our Lord

He has come primarily to suffer and die so that by repentance and forgiveness through His righteousness, the kingdom of God may come.

12 January 2020

In our (Christian) baptism, we participate in the death of Christ () and identify with the “New Israel,” saved by baptismal grace.

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

As the Epiphany seasons stands between our celebration of Christ’s birth and His Passion, we remember that He came to manifest God’s good favor (grace) by humbly offering Himself for the sins of the world.

Brief silence

For all the baptized, that having been united to Christ’s death and resurrection through water and the Word, the people of God may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit and equipped with His gifts to live the new life given to them by God’s gracious act:

For the Church, that in every place where God’s people are called and gathered by His Spirit, they may be enlightened by His Word and sanctified by His grace for holy living and a life of good works to glorify Him:

Father, we pray for this congregation and our unity of confession, witness and mercy work, that the Lord may bless us with faithful pastors to preach God’s Word and faithful parish leaders to guide us in the fulfillment of all that God has given us to do:

For the nation and those who govern, that our leaders may be people of integrity and that we may be good citizens together, wisely using all the resources God has supplied for purposes consistent with His Word and purpose in Christ:

For the nation and those who govern, that our leaders may be people of integrity and that we may be good citizens together, wisely using all the resources God has supplied for purposes consistent with His Word and purpose in Christ, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For those who have been marked with God’s name in Baptism but have fallen away from the faith, that we may speak with courage and compassion the saving Word of God to them, and that they may be restored to faith and life within this assembly and kept blameless until Christ’s return in glory:

For those who have been marked with God’s name in Baptism but have fallen away from the faith, that we may speak with courage and compassion the saving Word of God to them, and that they may be restored to faith and life within this assembly and kept blameless until Christ’s return in glory, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For the poor, the hungry and the homeless, that we may remember them in prayer, support them with the resources God has supplied us, and encourage them to remain faithful in every adversity of life:

For those who suffer depression and illness of the mind, that they may be comforted in their anxiety, given peace and comfort in their fears, and be renewed in hope through the Good News of Christ crucified and risen:

For those who suffer depression and illness of the mind, that they may be comforted in their anxiety, given peace and comfort in their fears, and be renewed in hope through the Good News of Christ crucified and risen, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For the sick, that God would grant healing for their bodies according to His will and strength to bear the infirmities they suffer, [especially back side of insert ___________,].

For those who mourn, that God would grant them comfort in their time of sorrow and encourage them with the hope of everlasting life with those whom they loved who have departed this life in faith:

O merciful Lord, grant that we may have confidence in the promise given to us in our Baptism into Christ and trust You to provide answer to the prayers we bring to You this day. And when the Last Day comes, bring us into the joy of Your everlasting light and life through the merits and mercies of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.