In Acts 1: 5 Jesus says, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence”(KJV). What was the purpose of this baptism? In Acts 1:8 Jesus states the purpose for receiving that baptism and says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (KJV).
In this baptism Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit from the wilderness. After the day of Pentecost the disciples received the power after the Holy Spirit came upon them. It was just like what happened to Jesus as he went in the power of the Spirit after the wilderness experience. The disciples were able to work the works of God just like Jesus because they received power from on high.
Jesus is still asking us the same question he asked two of his disciple. Let me paraphrase it. Jesus is still asking, “Are you willing to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”, Are you willing?
Remember, Jesus returned from the wilderness in the power of the Spirit. The disciples were also baptized and received power to work the works of God when they received the Holy Spirit. We all need this power from God so that we can have wisdom and work mighty works just like Jesus did. That is the plan of God. God is so generous that he gives us of his Spirit.
In order to do what God does, we need to let him do it through us. Not us doing it, but God doing it through us. In John 5:17 the Bible says, “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” (KJV). Always remember that we are the branches and Jesus is the vine. Without that special connection like that of a vine and a branch, the Spirit of God can not work through us.
In John 20 : 21 the Bible says, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you”(KJV). Child of God, you have been sent by Jesus Christ and you need this power from on high.
Yes, without wisdom and might works this world can not be changed. There is a power of evil that keeps this world in the bondage of rebellion against God and it can only be dealt with by God himself . The way out is only through Christ. That is why children of God should go forth in the power of the Spirit of God.
Remember, Jesus is still pausing that important question about that baptism just like he did to the two of his disciples. This is what he asked them and it is recorded in Mark 10:38 and in this portion of scripture Jesus is asking, “…can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with” (KJV)? Sure enough, there is a baptism Jesus was baptized with and all children of God need that baptism.
Are you ready for it?
m. mubiana 