“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:21-22 (NIV)
Jesus was about thirty years old when He began his ministry (Luke 3:23). The inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry featured affirmation from His Heavenly Father. God affirmed that Jesus was His Son. It would be similar to an earthly Father saying to his son, “Son, I’m proud of you!”
God provided Jesus with an affirmation of His love. Jesus would draw on the love of His Heavenly Father as He navigated the path of suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus affirmed His love and loyalty to His Heavenly Father by praying, “Not my will, but Your will be done”(Mt. 26:39-44).
Jesus heard the precious words of affirmation, “with you I am well pleased.” Jesus brought pleasure to His Heavenly Father through His obedience and willingness to finish His work (Jn. 4:34). God affirmed Jesus with these words at the inauguration of His public ministry.
You are loved by God. In fact, you are the apple of His eye (Ps. 17:8). Walk in the light of God’s redemptive work in your life. God came to your rescue so that you could join Him in rescuing others. You are His workmanship (Eph. 2:10). Be affirmed by God!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell