Scripture

A voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Observation

Jesus goes to the Jordan River to be baptised by John. John argues with Jesus saying, “You should be baptising me!”

Jesus says that it is necessary to do all that God requires. So John baptises him.

As Jesus comes out of the water, the Holy Spirit descends on him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven says, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Application

I am a son of the Most High God. Despite my many failings and sins, He counts me as a son who brings Him great joy.

My children are all grown up now, but they have been sources of joy over many years. I count their births as the most joyful events of my life. Seeing them pass various milestones, grow up, and mature into adults has also brought me great joy.

Sure, there have been times of sadness, but even in those times there have been glimmers of joy and hope.

If my earthly children give me great joy as a father, why is it so hard to believe that I bring joy to my Heavenly Father?

We have a faulty view of God, I think. We think that expects total perfection and flawless obedience all the time, and when we fail we fear that He will withhold His love and blessings from us.

God loves us despite our sins. He doesn’t stop loving us when we fall short of his glory. No, He gives us grace to keep walking.

God is full of joy at His family, even me.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for the assurance that I give you great joy. I confess that I often feel like I don’t give you joy at all, but I believe that this is true despite how I may feel. Amen.