S – John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire

Luke 3:16 ESV

O – Commentary:

baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire This likely signals the purifying function of Jesus’ efforts, reflecting prophetic imagery (compare Isa 6:5–7). It also could anticipate the events of Pentecost (Acts 2). Another possibility draws on the symbolic association of fire with divine wrath (e.g., Luke 3:9, 17; Matt 3:10, 12) and envisions a twofold baptism: The repentant will receive baptism with the Holy Spirit, but the non-repentant will receive the baptism associated with judgment

 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Lk 3:16.

A – John shares that he is not the messiah and what is different about who Jesus is.  If we accept Jesus as God’s son and our Savior, then we will be filled with the Holy Spirit.  He is always present and ready to walk with us.  What a powerful gift!

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you today.  Thank you for the gifts of salvation and your presence.  We invite the Holy Spirit to lead us and give us wisdom, discernment and courage today.