The Father's Pleasure

Well, He's here!  And as Jesus appears on the scene (Matthew 3:13- 4:11), look at what He does first. It is a humble request to be baptized by His "herald" John. Really? The Creator of Heaven and Earth might have been standing in line with that throng to get dunked in the muddy Jordan. He, for sure, had no sin to repent of and wash away. But Jesus says, "Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness."

Evidently this was right on because as He comes up dripping, the heavens open, the Spirit dove alights, and the Father proclaims, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."  The Message says it this way, "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life." Don't you love it! I can just see the proud father, ruffling his son's hair with his hand and booming, "This one's mine. I'm pleased as punch with him."

What a way to start your ministry!  Jesus would then go out and pass even the hardest tests Satan had to throw at Him in the desert.

The great news is that as God adopts us into His family, He says the same thing about us. "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!.....Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give ...." Isaiah 43:1,4.

Lord, thank you for making us Yours. May we bring You great pleasure.