Out Our Way: The nod at the chute

"In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordon. And just as He was coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens torn apart and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on Him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are My Son, the Beloved, with You I am well pleased.'" - Mark 1:9–11

    Out our way, the county fair wouldn't be a real fair without the rodeo. Over the years I have been in the chutes (as a helper, never a contestant) and as far as I'm concerned it's the best seat in the house. I admire all the contestants and their skills for I have none of them.

I have tried tossing a rope - but the calf moved. I have tried racing around the barrels, but the barrels moved - and fell over. As for bucking events, well, I fall off the mechanical horse in front of Kmart, let alone Goliath who barely breaks into a canter. But I do appreciate those who can do it.

Even though I could never do it myself, I do get a sense of the anticipation and preparation the rider has as he steadies himself in the chute, checks his seat, and then nods, "Outside! Let her buck!" It's that moment when everything is ready - every muscle and nerve set - and then coms the nod. The gate opens. And the contest begins! The ride, hopefully, lasts the full eight seconds, but it all starts with that critical moment when the rider nods his head and the gate swings wide.

For Jesus, the "ride" would last three years, but it began at the moment when He stepped down to the Jordon River to be baptized. No, he didn't need to do it for Himself, for John's baptism was one of repentance from sin and Jesus was sinless. But He needed to do it for us. We needed to know He was one of us. And God needed us to know He was also One with Him.

Jesus nodded at the chute, for when He came up out of the river the gates of heaven swung wide and the Holy Spirit descended, and God declared, "This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased!"

From that moment there was no going back - no re-rides. Like the bronc or bull rider when he clears the gate, Jesus was committed and had to ride, but it was no eight seconds. It was three years.  And it wasn't with a crowd cheering for Him, but with most of the folks jeering and cursing Him.

I have seen some pretty mean broncs and bulls, ones that use every trick in the book and, given the chance, will stomp you or hook you or do anything they can to not only toss you but make sure you never get up again. No wonder the worst bulls and broncs usually get a name like Diablo - "The Devil" - because even the meanest critter on earth is a tame kitten compared to the wrath of the Evil One.

The Gospel story is the three-year "ride" of Jesus, riding down and spurring the Prince of Darkness right to the buzzer - and then some. And it all began when He went down to the river to be baptized. That is where He nodded His head,  the chute opened wide and Christ came out kicking and spurring the Devil until He rode him down. And He did that for us.

  (John Bruington, Goliath and Scout can be reached at [email protected].  Their book, "Out Our Way: Theology Under Saddle" is available at Amazon.com.  These weekly columns as well as the "Bruin Town Tales for Children" and each Sunday's study on the Book of Acts are available at http://www.havrepres.org.)