Who, me?
by Pastor Tim Klein
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Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptised by him (Matthew 3:13).
Read Matthew 3:13–17
Have you ever been asked to do something by someone you believe is so much more qualified than you? It can be daunting, can’t it?
I recall a time early on in my relationship with my wife and her parents. My father-in-law (Ron) was a regular fisherman. He would go out fishing off Glenelg with his cousin Doug. I happened to be there once on a fishing day and he invited me along. Once we were out on the water, he asked me to steer the boat. ‘Who, me?’ I was a pretty dab hand at driving my HR 186S, but I had never driven a boat before – and this was quite a powerful boat. ‘Yes, you.’ Why not? So, I took the helm and skippered that boat out to the fishing ground, where we successfully bagged out.
Needless to say, I was chuffed. These two men trusted me with charge of the boat.
Back to John and Jesus. Jesus asks John: ‘Will you baptise me?’ John responds: ‘Who me? It should be the other way round’ (paraphrasing the event). Jesus entrusted himself to John to be baptised by him! It should be no surprise. John was known as ‘John the Baptiser’.
As I reflect, I recall numerous times when people have deferred (or attempted) to me as ‘the pastor’. Yes. Sometimes, it may be appropriate. However, there are plenty of other instances where a layperson is more than able to serve the things of God. For example, I remember being waist-deep alongside a father in a chilled Kiwi mountain creek while he baptised his daughter in God’s name.
This is a bit like yesterday’s devotion. When are we really ready to serve? I suggest, when the need is right there before us or in front of our minds. Do we trust that the Lord will work in and through us? He trusted his own baptism to John. Will he trust you and me to the constant opportunities to seek, save and serve the lost?
Just like Jesus entrusted himself to John for his baptism, Jesus trusts us to be his agents of loving kindness wherever we are.
Lord of all: Open our eyes and ears, our hearts and our hands to the needs of others. Use us to bring your blessing into the world wherever we are. Amen.
Tim has served as a pastor for more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand. Not retired but repurposed on 12 January, this husband of wife Joy, father of three and grandfather of 10 intends to spend more time in the garden, write some songs that have long lingered in his mind and heart and keep up with the activities of his grandchildren and friends. He also has several active beehives that need managing, with some still to be constructed and populated. Tim will continue his voluntary service as a chaplain with SA Police.
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