Matthew 3:16-17
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
In the place where our Heavenly Father filled parental duties we hear Him say some significant things for our ears and for our example. As Jesus rose from the waters of baptism, the Lord claimed Jesus as His Son, let Him know that He was loved, and communicated that He was proud of Him. If we could get these three simple things into a place of true belief in our lives and pass these truths on, we could turn our world upside-down.
First be mindful today that you are His. As you made a choice to receive the gift secured by the death and resurrection of Christ, you were brought to a place that empowered you to be a child of God. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” – Jn 1:12 You have cried out to Him so He has claimed you. Never forget that He has called you His child. He has claimed you. He has given you that title. You must believe in your belonging.
More than that, you must dwell in the understanding and acceptance of His great love for you. Each day you need to grasp the adoration that God has for you. You are indeed His beloved. Not begrudgingly nor with shame, in true heart’s passion God has great love for you. Deep down in the depths of your being you must hear His love for you and believe it.
Now take the next step. Believe that He is proud of you. He is not unaware that you are not perfect. He has not gone blind or been lost in bias. He designed the process and the journey and He is walking you through. Just as we rejoice over the steps our little ones take in their process of maturity, so the Lord rejoices over your development. Consider today how pleased He is with where you are. His pride in you. Will you dare to believe it?
Just one last thing: who needs to hear that from you? Who needs that reality lived out from your flesh? In whom can you make that theology live by your words and actions? Ask the Lord. Who needs to hear that they are a valued part of your faith family? Who needs to hear and experience your great love for them? Who needs to know that you are so very proud of them? Believe it for yourself, then share it with enthusiasm.
Great meditaion. I have been encouraged by the meditations and try to read it when I can. I am really glad you put it on the blog. It will allow the meditations to have a much longer life than just a few hours.