God meets Jesus at the water before he is tempted in the wilderness—this is important. First and foremost, God claims us. God meets us in theliminal space, at the water’s edge, at the threshold of something new, andnames us Beloved. God’s covenant with all of creation reminds us that Godmeets us where we are—in the midst of our reluctance, doubt, eagerness,or weariness—and proclaims we are good.
