Friday 20 June, 2014

13 Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River. He wanted to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to stop him. He told Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you. So why do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be this way for now. It is right for us to do this. It carries out God’s holy plan.” Then John agreed. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened. Jesus saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. 17 A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him.”

This passage speaks to me of the obedience of Jesus. John knew how great Jesus was, that He was the Son of God, and thus did not “need” the baptism that John was offering. And yet, the importance of the baptism of Jesus becomes apparent immediately after He is immersed in water. The Holy Spirit comes upon Him, and God the Father declares His love and favour over His Son.

Obedience positions me for what God wants to do in my life. No matter how much sense my acts make to others, I need to know that I know that I know that what I’m doing is in obedience to God. Jesus step of obedience here didn’t make sense to one of the most influential people of the time. And yet, Jesus knew He had to do it.

Lord, clearly lead me and direct me in daily steps of obedience to your will. I want to walk in obedience because this is how you’ve made me. I want to walk in obedience because I want to be right in position of what you are wanting to do in and through my life. I thank you that you’ve given me your Holy Spirit to help me in this daily walk of obedience.

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh