Today’s lection takes us to John the Baptist who was baptizing at “Aenon near Salim” (John 3:23). Salim is thought to be west of the Jordan, about half-way between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. A disagreement concerning ceremonial washing arose between one of John’s disciples and a Jew (3:25). When they came to John the Baptist, and evidently tried to make John envious of the baptisms of Jesus’ disciples. Rather than allowing himself to become engaged in a debate, John took an opportunity to enlighten them on his own call and purpose. He said, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven” (3:27). God had called John to speak the prophetic voice concerning “the one who comes from heaven” (v. 31). In the same way, we receive what is given us from heaven. God gives each of us a unique way to serve through the incarnate Church. If we jump over to Ephesians Paul tells us that “it was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service…” (Ephesians 4:11-12a, NRSV). We are baptized into the Church and “given” (v. 27) heavenly responsibilities here on earth. May we use these gifts to share the truthfulness of God. Grace and Peace, Pastor Bob