1-12-25 “You Have Been Baptized to Serve: God’s Calling”

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“You Have Been Baptized to Serve: God’s Calling”

I want to start with something funny that I found an internet site:  A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short on time and couldn’t find a space with a meter. He left a note under the windshield wiper that read, “I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.”

When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note: “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket, I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.”

Today, as we celebrate “Law Enforcement Appreciation Sunday” alongside the “Baptism of the Lord,” I want to share a story about a police officer that ties into God’s calling and our baptism. It was a cold, clear morning in January. Officer Michael adjusted his uniform and zipped up his jacket—another day, another patrol. But that day felt different. Michael loved his job—most days. He believed in justice and serving others, but lately, the badge felt heavier. The calls were harder, the criticism sharper and moments of gratitude fewer.

As he drove through the quiet streets, he noticed a man standing on a corner holding a sign that read, “Hope is coming.” Michael chuckled and muttered to himself, “Well, I sure hope so.” But the words lingered.

That Sunday, Michael sat in church, not in uniform, but as a father, husband and believer. The pastor read from the Gospel of Luke 3: “The people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah.”

Michael leaned forward. The people were waiting—hoping—for someone who would bring justice and peace, someone who would make things right, and someone would serve. The pastor continued: “John told them, ‘I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’” Michael felt a spark in his chest. A baptism of fire? That sounded a lot like what he faced every day on the job—moments of pressure, split-second decisions, and the courage it took to step into the unknown.

Then the pastor said: “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also was baptized, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove, and God said, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.’”

Michael realized something in that moment: baptism wasn’t just a ritual—it was a calling, a declaration and a confirmation of purpose. Yes, baptism is not only about washing away our sins, but also a response to God’s calling—a confirmation that we are God’s beloved children, ready to do God’s work.

Later that week, Michael responded to a serious accident on the highway. Chaos surrounded him, but he remembered the words from Sunday: “Hope is coming.” He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and did what he was called to do—serve.

That night, as he hung up his uniform, Michael whispered a prayer: “Lord, remind me every day that I’m not just wearing a badge—I’m living out a calling.”

Yes, police officers, firefighters and other first responders are family, friends, and humans like us. But they have accepted a calling to serve, often taking great risks. Do you have friends, family, or neighbors who serve in law enforcement, as 911 operators, firefighters, or in other government and community roles? How often do you express your appreciation to them?

We expect their service to keep us safe, and they take on that responsibility despite the challenges and dangers.

I remember one night in the winter of 2010 when my car broke down on the side of a highway. I didn’t know what to do. I called my insurance company, but only got the answering machine. I then called a friend for help, but I couldn’t clearly explain where I was. At that moment, a police car stopped by. The officer asked what was going on, called a tow truck company and stayed with me until everything was resolved.

Some people might say they experience “police-phobia,” but I know from experience that many officers serve their communities with compassion, even while facing challenges and risks daily.

Jesus also showed us the importance of respecting both government and ministry. When people tried to test Him, asking whether it was lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, He replied:
“Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:17-22). This is a powerful example of how Jesus taught us to honor both our civic responsibilities and our spiritual callings. As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world so that others may follow the path we walk in faith.

When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, it symbolized repentance, the washing away of sins, and initiation into God’s household and ministry. But we know Jesus was without sin, so why was He baptized? He did it to set an example—that every human being must respond to God’s call and begin their journey of ministry. Baptism is our response to God’s call. It’s a confirmation that we are the children of God. When we respond to God’s calling, God says,
“You are my child, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.”

Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of His ministry. Similarly, our baptism calls us to live out our faith in action. To the officers, their work is a ministry in the field. Every act of courage, kindness, and justice reflects God’s calling in their lives.

How about us as Christians? We are also called by God to do good, seek justice and walk humbly with God. Remember, you have been baptized to serve God and others with love and joy.

Let us be like the man with the sign, reminding everyone that hope is coming—because Christ has come. God has sent us to prepare the way for the Lord. As we fulfill our duties, love God, and love our neighbors, Jesus will come again. He is our hope and Savior.

Thanks be to God. Amen!