Matthew 3:17 (KJV)
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Jesus’ baptism by John stands as a pivotal moment in the history of salvation, illuminated by the power of prayer and God’s affirmation of His Son. The Father’s declaration reveals that Jesus is not just any son; He is the beloved, the chosen one, the embodiment of divine love. Our anchor Scripture illustrates God’s pleasure in His Son, Jesus Christ, who is committed to fulfilling His Father’s will, and God Himself testifies to this devotion. The Father’s words serve as a divine endorsement of Jesus’ mission, affirming not only His identity but also proclaiming His divine sonship. When the Father calls Jesus beloved and well-pleased, He communicates more than status; He unveils a profound relationship. This statement anchors Jesus’ identity, mission, and the Father’s approval, shaping every step He takes. God, the Owner and Giver of life, has a purpose for us: to please and glorify Him. We were created to bring Him joy, not to live solely for our own desires. Revelation 4:11 proclaims, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure, they are and were created.” In every area of service we engage in, we must remember to offer that service to the Lord. Our focus should rest on Heaven’s testimony about us rather than the opinions of people. When pleasing the Lord is our primary motivation in Christian service, our concern will always revolve around how the Lord perceives our efforts.
The primary focus of Christian living and service should be to please the Lord. Embracing a lifestyle dedicated to God fosters holiness, joy, happiness, satisfaction, sacrificial giving, and an uplifting atmosphere of prayer, praise, and worship. God delights in our obedience to His commandments, and when we align our lives with His revealed will, we experience His acceptance and approval. As children of God, we must embody the truth of being His ambassadors on earth, just as God affirmed our Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven, showcasing His power through Him. Being deemed acceptable to God as beloved sons and daughters requires total submission to His will and unwavering obedience to His commandments. This commitment translates to living in every aspect to please Him. As Christians, our aim is not to seek the approval of society or the devil, but to honor our Maker alone. Many prioritize pleasing man over God, inadvertently causing Him distress through their choices. Some may attend church or serve with the intent of garnering human approval, highlighting a tragic lack of understanding. There are also those willing to please God, but only when it is easy or convenient. While the world may offer its endorsement, it is God’s approval that truly matters. It is vital to live solely to please Him, for the consequences of divine disapproval can be dire.
Beloved, I invite you to consider whether you can affirmatively acknowledge yourself as a beloved son or daughter of God, in whom He finds pleasure. Reflect on how God feels about your actions and conduct. Are you bringing Him joy with your life or causing Him sorrow? Is He proud of you or does He feel disappointment? Your life is either a source of excitement for God or a cause of embarrassment; it is a reflection of His pleasure or pain. Today, seek the affirmation from Heaven, and your struggles will fade away. If you are serving Him, do so with all your heart, for you are either with Him or not. In this season and beyond, take your relationship with God seriously. Be fervent in your faith, as lukewarmness holds no place in the things of God. Make holiness your way of life and surrender yourself to His Will in true worship. Live not as a child of this fallen world, but as a reborn child of the Most High God. Just as God affirmed Jesus, find comfort in knowing you are loved and valued by Him. Embrace God’s unwavering love and approval, for it will guide you on your spiritual journey and affirm your cherished status as a child of your Heavenly Father. Remember, God names, delights in, and equips those He sends, intertwining His pleasure with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
O Lord, thank You for Your Word today. Help me not cause You pain with my lifestyle, but give me the grace to bring You pleasure and excitement in Jesus’ Name.