“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.”
– Matthew 3:16,17
Yesterday, we talked about Jesus’ baptism being a reflection of God’s grace and favor towards Him. Today, I want to focus on one particular part of the story. When the Bible talks about a voice calling from Heaven, we often think that the whole crowd gathered at the river heard what was said. However, I believe there’s evidence to show that it was only Jesus who heard the voice and saw the Spirit come down on Him. It was a very intimate moment in which the Father reminded Jesus of His love for Him, His only Son. Remember, Jesus was only in His early 30’s when he was baptized. He hadn’t yet accomplished anything really notable. We often hear it said that He was a carpenter, but interestingly, the Greek word for carpenter can be translated as builder. So, He may have worked with stone, building things with His father, Joseph, as an apprentice; nothing terribly outstanding. At the point of His baptism, Jesus was beginning a three-year ministry, but notice that the Father was already pleased with Him, even before He accomplished anything of great significance. Remember, God takes pleasure in you, not because of your accomplishments or accolades, but because you’re His kid. He loves you even more than you love your own children, although you mess up and are fallen. His love never fails and He is always saying good things about you! Isn’t that great news? |
Prayer
God, thank you for whispering love and grace to me in my moments of need, regardless of what I do or don’t accomplish. I receive your blessing and favor on my life today.
Reflection
How do you respond to the truth that God’s grace has nothing to do with your accomplishments? Do you receive it as a gift?
5 Responses
Pastor Bobby, Your messages are so life-giving, so fresh, and so full of joy! Thanks so much to both you and Hannah for all your hard work and dedication to this vital ministry. I’m loving your new book! I tape your shows and watch whenever I can, but sometimes I miss one. So I’m not sure if you’ve already featured this singer … but have you invited Jason Gray onto the show yet to sing his, “Remind Me Who I am?” The lyrics almost seem as if they were based solely on your beautiful Creed of the Beloved!
we are all in this journey. we need each other and God places the right people in our path so we can help each other. Thank you for this website, for your tv program and for yourselves. before we retired we had a Christian bookstore and even came to California for a CBA event near you. we used to listen to your grandfather years ago. God bless you in your ministry. about 8 years ago we started an internet prayer line. we will keep you in prayer…Carol & Al in Roswell,NM
No matter what your subject matter is, I always feel you are speaking directly to my heart. Thank you Bobby.
I don’t know what I would do without Bobby’s messages. They help me through the bad times that I am having right now.
PLEASE PRAY FOR MY HUSBAND, HUGH, LILLY, MY DOG, SHAWN, KLARA, ABIGAIL,EMMA AND OLIVER. iT IS WITH YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONS THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THRU A VERY TRYING PERIOD WITH A NIEBOUR ON MY STREET WHO THREATEN ME AND MY DOG LILLY THAT IF I PUT MY DOG IN A KENNEL WHICH IS INSIDE MY HOME.
PLEASE ALSO PRAY FOR MY SON STEPHEN WHO HAS NOT SPOKEN TO ME IN OVER 3 YEARS, HIS WIFE SABRINA AND THEIR DAUGHTER. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK.
GOD BLESS THE HOUR OF POWER AND BOBBY SCHULLER AND EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH THE HOUR OF POWER !