Scripture:
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly beloved Son, who brings me great joy.” – Matthew 3: 17

Observation:
John was baptizing people in the Jordan River when along came Jesus and asked John to baptize him. John snapped back and told Jesus that he need Jesus to baptize him and that Jesus didn’t need to do so, but Jesus responded and said that it needed to be done. Thus, John went ahead and did as Jesus requested. When Jesus arose out of the water, a voice from heaven spoke and declared that Jesus was the dearly beloved Son of God, who brought great joy to the Father.

Application:
Jesus is the only person who has ever done all that God asked and required of one to do while here on this earth and to do so without fail. John the baptizer knew that Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:36) and had no need of being baptized, but he complied with the wishes of his cousin, the Son of God. Both men were obedient to the will of the LORD. Because Jesus followed through on the LORD’s command and desire, the LORD announced to those witnessing his baptism that Jesus is the dearly beloved Son of the Father who brings him great joy! The notion is that Jesus only did what he heard and saw the Father do (John 5:19) and brought great joy to him, and we can do the same when he obey the Father! If He spoke of Jesus in this manner and we are joint-heirs with Jesus (Romans 8:17), then why would the Father not speak of us likewise? He may not announce it to the whole word as Jesus’ case, but he will let us know such personally and possibly to others. Sure, when we cross the finish line into eternity, we all want to hear those immortal words, Well done, good and faithful servant, (Matthew 25:23) but wouldn’t you want to hear the words, this is my dearly beloved…who brings me great joy in the here and now? I know I do!

Prayer:
Father, God most high and King of the universe, creator of all! Thank you for loving me enough to have a Son who listened to you and did all that you asked and commanded of him to do. His obedience paved the way for my salvation and honor/privilege of spending eternity with you! Without his obedience, I’d be lost to eternal damnation in a demon’s hell! Heaven forbid! Thus, I want to emulate my elder brother, Jesus, and do only what I see you do and to do only what you tell me to do. By your gracious Holy Spirit give me the grace and power needed to meet the goals of each day as it comes along. Let nothing get in the way of my obedience to you. Help me to be strong in the face of adversity and humble in my walk before you. May your will be done, not mine. In the name of Jesus, Amen.