Reading:-Matthew 3:16-17

“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Reflection

‘Who are you?’ the person sitting next to me asks. I am in a conference for sixth form teachers, so it’s easy to say, ‘My name is Kelly, and I am a Chemistry teacher’. On another day and in another place, my answer might be ‘I’m here to marshal for the London Marathon’ or even ‘I’m Jamie’s mother’. A simple question which provokes an endless variety of responses. Most of the time our replies are automatic and require little thought – after all, what the person really wants to know is ‘what do you do’ ‘why are you here’ and ‘what are your credentials?’ How often do we stop and reflect upon that most fundamental of all questions – who AM I? I think the answer lies in Matthew chapter 3. In this most amazing of scenes, we see all 3 members of the Trinity in one place. Jesus has not yet started his ministry and has just been baptized in the Jordan river. God chooses this moment of supreme humility to appear and speak those immortal words. “This is my son” – that is identity. “Whom I love” – that is relationship. “With him I am well-pleased” – that is affirmation. Imagine the scene – Jesus, an unknown carpenter from Bethlehem, queuing with all the others to be baptized by John. He has not performed any miracles. He has not declared himself to be the Messiah. He has not, in short, done anything of note. Most people don’t know who he is, have never heard his name. And yet, this is the moment that God chooses to declare him to be the beloved son of God himself. What about you? Do you know yourself to be the beloved child of God – not based on what you do, or what others think of you, or what you have? I encourage you to meditate on the words of God as they relate to you – you are God’s child, whom he loves and with you he is well-pleased.

Spiritual Exercise

I came across a ‘creed’ in a book I am reading which goes: “I am not what I do, I am not what I have, I am not what others think of me – I am a beloved child of God. I do not have to hurry. I do not have to worry. I am a friend of Jesus and he will take care of me”.

Try saying this creed a few time every day. Meditate on the meaning. Unhook yourself from your performance, your credentials, and your reputation, and enjoy your true identity as a child of God.

Music

Have a listen to this great song as you think about today’s reflection

Digging Deeper

There is a fabulous book entitled ‘You are Beloved’ by Bobby Schuller. His regular ‘Hour of Power’ church service is broadcast every Saturday evening on TBN. Well worth a look!

Feeling motivated to start a journey of growing in Christ? Is it possible to do this and what does this all mean? Here is another resources about following Christ and growing in him:

https://www.fromhisheart.org/why-jesus/how-can-i-grow-in-christ

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