December 18, Divine Encounters “Three in One”, by B. Tinkler

Matthew 3:16-17
And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Theme:
The Holy Trinity is both mysterious and necessary to reveal the three persons of God with a single
intrinsic nature of caring for all people and creation. The alighting of the dove-like Spirit on Jesus as he rose from the baptismal water signifies not only a transition from John the Baptist’s ministry, but also Jesus ’identification with penitent people and His central role in completing God’s plan for salvation. From heaven God’s voice is clear in its declaration of love and approval of his son, Jesus.
We should first understand that Jesus was not asking to be baptized for repentance, as He never sinned. Instead, through baptism, Jesus shows His support for what John was doing, He identifies in a very human way with all penitent people, and He is honored by God as His beloved son. This scenario becomes the Great Reveal of God’s plan of salvation, not just for the Jewish nation, but for all people, even for those of us living today.

Illustration:
Though I knew dad was a WWII vet who fought in the Philippines, I never heard him talk much about his war experience. Like many in his generation, he was a far more demonstrative dad of his love for mom and us four sons than what came out in conversation. I can only imagine what kind of love our heavenly Father demonstrated in declaring his approval of Jesus, knowing that one day His only son would hang from a cross so that we could be forgiven and become a part of heaven.

Takeaway:
Never forget how much God loves you, how much Jesus sacrificed to save you, or how often the Holy Spirit may be nudging you to act in accordance with your faith

Prayer:
Father, help us rejoice in knowing how much you love us, how much your son Jesus gave up to save us, and how much the Holy Spirit will nudge us to abide in your will. Amen.