Approximately 30 years after the destruction of the second Death Star, Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi, has disappeared.
The First Order has risen from the fallen Galactic Empire and seeks to eliminate Luke and the Republic.
The Resistance, backed by the Republic and led by Luke’s twin sister, General Leia Organa, opposes them while searching for Luke to enlist his aid.
That’s all I know, I have not seen the movie….yet. So, there are no spoiler alerts necessary.
I know that this is the 7th Installment in the main Star Wars Film Series.
Star Wars obviously has done good things for the film industry.
But as I approach this weekend, I think NOT OF the “newest Star Wars addition to the family” – but rather to a much older version.
I am back on Star Wars Episode V – the Empire Strikes back…
And in particular I am stuck on that moment – when the deep resonant voice of James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, called to Luke Skywalker, saying, “I am your father.”
It was one of those kinds of announcements that was a real game changer…it altered the course of the story. It altered the course of events.
It is also one of those “epic lines” that is remembered and has been repeated countless times since.
So, when it comes to something like the Baptism of Our Lord. The audible voice that is heard is everything. I expect God has a voice very much like James Earl Jones…or maybe Barry White.
I tell you, the voice is everything. Archie Bunker’s voice would crack me up. Hey Edith…
A long time ago, but in this very galaxy…Saint Luke tells us, that when Jesus was baptized with all the people, the heavens opened up, the Holy Spirit descended bodily form like a dove, and a voice called out…”You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”
I tell you, it’s all about “the voice.” This too, would be an announcement – that would alter the events of the day and the outcome of the story… It was epic before Star Wars!
It was an “external sign” to everyone that Jesus is “no ordinary rabbi.” He is not just your “everyday healer.” He is not simply” an encourager of faith” or “a mere teacher of wisdom. “ Nor is he just a “peaceful prophet.” Something different…something special is going on here. Jesus is being “set apart.” People are to take notice.
Jesus is the very Son of God, living among us and inviting us – into the presence and the power and the promise of our God. This is huge. This is epic. This is big stuff…and it is all because of “the voice.” The voice is “everything.”
We have now entered into a new season of the church year – the Season of Epiphany. Epiphany is one of those 25 cent Greek words that means something like, “to shed light upon.” So it is a time …when the church focuses on Scripture passages … that “shed light upon” – how God becomes present to us – in and through – the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
And so we begin with Jesus’ baptism. John has called for a general repentance of sins…and has promised God’s forgiveness to all who come and have their sins washed away…
Jesus is showing solidarity and oneness with all the people…he is with them…he is one of them…he is for them.
As the people come from all over the land, and assemble in the desert region along the Jordan, Jesus goes with them. He too is on a journey. He too is on a religious quest.
It is an act that will be repeated many, many times…as they are thrust under the water – they are putting their sinful selves to death. And when they rise up – they rise up to a newness of life.
This is when the game-changing event occurs. As Jesus comes up out of the water, Luke says the Heaven was opened. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus – in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from above.
According to Luke it is a chance for Jesus and all those around him to hear the powerful words that were spoken.
Jesus is being set apart.
I hear the words in a thundering, booming, deep and resonating kind of voice saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
In Jesus, it is the pleasure of God to forgive us, renew us and give us His promise of new life.
This is what Jesus’ baptism reveals to us…may we always hold this promise – close to our hearts.
We are indeed loved.