Key Passage
Jesus answered, "Let it be this way for now. We should do all things that are right." So John agreed to baptize Jesus.
— Matthew 3:15 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Sometimes I am both amazed and ashamed at my audacity before the Sovereign God. I can actually (maybe better described, "arrogantly") think I have a better plan for my life than what I find in God's revealed will in Scripture. Now, I never intentionally think, "God is wrong about this; I have a better way to do it." No, my self-delusion is more sinister and subtle. I just ignore what he has revealed, and say something like, "Surely he doesn't mean…" or "Surely God wouldn't want…" However, any time I replace God's will with my own ideas, I've actually chosen my will over his.
John was a humble and true servant. But, John’s conception of the Messiah didn't include baptizing him! God's plan, on the other hand, used John, just like he will use us. We need to ask this question everyday if we are to understand that will: "Father, how can I fulfill your desires and honor your character with my life today?" Our goal must be to please and to honor him by the way we live. We're here to fulfill his righteous plans, not what we think is best or most appropriate.
Prayer
Gracious and all wise heavenly Father, thank you for having John baptize Jesus. This reminds me that baptism is about my relationship with you and not about who baptizes whom. Thank you for Jesus' example of living only to please you and accomplish your will. Please fill my heart with that same resolve and empower it by that same Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
There is a way that people think is right. But that way leads only to death. A person who tells the truth helps other people. The person who tells lies hurts other people.
— Proverbs 14:12; 16:25
"Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, if a person continues asking, that person will receive. If a person continues looking, that person will find. And if a person continues knocking, the door will open for that person.
— Matthew 7:7-8
"Not every person that says that I am his Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people that will enter the kingdom of heaven are those people that do the things that my Father in heaven wants. On the last day many people will say to me, 'You are our Lord! We spoke for you. And for you we forced out demons and did many miracles. ' Then I will tell those people clearly, 'Go away from me, you people that do wrong. I never knew you.'
— Matthew 7:21-23
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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