Last week, we talked about the baptism of Jesus. This event marked a turning point for Jesus as He moved from private life into public ministry. In fact, it is the first milestone recorded from His adulthood. And here is the account:
After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!”
Are you a Daddy’s girl? Maybe you’re especially close to your mom? If so, you can imagine how it felt to be Jesus at this moment. His Daddy was laying claim to him and honoring him, in front of a crowd of people. He went from being a relative nobody to being THE Somebody, right away.
What would be the modern-day equivalent? Being named Valedictorian? Winning an Oscar? Being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Nothing really compares.
Or maybe you were never close to your parents? You dread buying a gift at Mother’s Day every year. On Father’s Day, you can never find a card that describes your relationship with your dad, because it isn’t great, just not “Hallmark” material.
If that’s you, I am sure you can’t imagine hearing your Heavenly Father saying, “This is my sweet and special girl — isn’t she something? I just can’t get enough of her!”
Beloved, God does love you dearly! He has gone out of His way to rescue you and bring you near. Here’s what happened:
When the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
If you are one of those who has cried out, “Abba, Father!” then you are a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). Being a co-heir means that you share in Jesus’ inheritance. You have been grafted into the family tree. You belong.
Two Ways You Are Like Jesus
Whether you grew up hearing this kind of stuff from your earthly parents regularly, or you’ve never heard it from anyone, know that you are just like Jesus in two ways. In the same way the Father said to Him, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted,” you can believe these two truths:
- God is the Father who is willing to vouch for you. He claims you as His very own.
- You know what? Your Heavenly Father flat-out loves you. In fact, He delights in you!
Lord, help us to walk as heirs of the Kingdom today. Allow us to hear Your songs of joy over us. Helps us to know that You delight in us and that we belong to You. Lord, please help the knowledge of our identity to transform the way we think.
Tell me what's on your heart: