Readings
Isaiah 43: 1-7
The context of this section of Isaiah deals with the return from exile in Babylon to Judah. Verses 3 and 4 refer to the parts of Africa that had been conquered by the Persians and verses 5 and 7 describe a return from all directions. We know that people were taken into exile in Babylon, but they would have undoubtedly spread to all parts of the Babylonian empire, so Isaiah is predicting a return of Jews from all parts of the empire, just as Jews returned to Israel after World War Two and in doing so displaced the Palestinian people.
As time passes and different ethnic groups become unwanted where they have been exiled to, returning seems a good idea but inevitably things change and returning can displace others.

Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22
We now read the story of Jesus’ baptism from Luke’s gospel. Fred Craddock draws attention to the key phrase ‘the heavens were opened up’ and says that is the reason why the church has long understood the baptism accounts in the gospels as epiphany texts. They are about the proclamation of God’s Christ in the world.
In the first verse of chapter 64 Isaiah prays to Yahweh ‘O that you would tear open the heavens and come down’ and in stating that ‘the heavens were opened up at Jesus’ baptism’ Luke is saying that in Jesus that prayer is answered.
The words from the heavenly voice declaring ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased’ are drawn from Psalm 2 verse 7 which is used at the coronation of Israel’s king and from Isaiah 42:1 which is a description of the servant of God. As with other sections of the Gospel Luke brings those extra meanings into the text to show that what happened at Jesus’ baptism was part of the people’s religious tradition, a new exodus within the exodus tradition of revelation and guidance.
The final important point Craddock makes is that the heavens opened, the Spirit descended, and the voice affirmed, after Jesus was baptised and while he was praying.
Continue reading January 12th 2025- Rev Hugh Perry →