“As for me, I immerse you in water for repentance. But the One coming after me is mightier than I am; I am not worthy to carry His sandals. He will immerse you in the Ruach ha-Kodesh and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He shall clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn; but the chaff He shall burn up with inextinguishable fire.”
- Matthew 3:11-12
This passage from this week's Brit Chadashah portion is very timely as some in our mishpocha prepare for immersion in a few weeks and we all prepare to bear witness to all that Adonai has done and is doing in our midst. While John immersed with water as a sign of repentance, Yeshua brings the Ruach HaKodesh to wash over us with forgiveness, mercy, and love. When we place our faith in Him and accept the yoke of His kingdom, we are made entirely new and we mark that radical newness through immersion. What a blessing that we are invited to begin an adventure of faith walking side by side with Messiah Yeshua. Praise Adonai!