Thursday, January 8, 2004 (68)
THE FATHER INTRODUCED HIS SON TO THE WORLD. The great entertainment of those days was a rugged character name John, commonly identified as John the Baptist. Of such magnitude was his dynamic ministry that the people of that day of his day flocked into the countryside to receive of his teachings. He was THE THING of that day. What else was there for entertainment? Absolutely nothing. One has to have lived in one of the ends of the earth to realize how attractive John was to those living in that day. The scripture says, the people went out to him. Some to receive spiritual instruction, others for entertainment purposes only. Mt. 3:5-7 This is the man to whom Jesus came to be baptized. He established an example for all true believers to follow. Note, believing is not sufficient. Jesus taught that the beginnings of our spiritual experience were to be built on faith and action or water baptism. Mk. 16:16 Jesus authenticated the ministry of John by His acceptance of John’s method, or formula of water baptism. This act of humility and obedience opened the door for the Holy Spirit to descend upon Him. It was not necessary for John to lift Jesus out of the water for He was immediately transported up and out of the water. The heavens were opened unto him, the sky, the heaven of the universe and then the abode of the Father. Please note, the Spirit descended like a dove, as a dove dives toward a landing. There was no dove but rather the Holy Spirit of whom the dove is a type. The Spirit came and remained upon Him. Mt. 3:16
THE VOICE OF THE FATHER WITH STATELY JUBILATION. This is My Son. Showing the pride and joy of the heart of a Father whose son is obedient and embarking, as an adult on the purpose of His coming into this world. The Son of His love. How great that love when it proceeds from the heart of the One who is the author of love and the very essence of love. God is love. 1 Jn. 4:8 The approbation of the Father was upon him for He was well pleased with Him. Jesus fulfilled every desire of the Father toward achieving the goal of a perfect Son. Mt. 3:17 On the Mt of transfiguration, enveloped in an aura of the glory of the Lord the Fathers voice is heard again, this time adding, hear Him. Mt. 17:5 Peter wrote of it being the voice from the excellent glory the Majestic Glory. 2 Pet. 1:17 NIV. The proclamation of the voice of the Father brought honor and glory to His Son. The Father spoke forth and let the world know the strong feelings of His heart for the Lord Jesus. The obedience, the commitment of the Lord Jesus to the work of redemption not only won the heart of the Father but has a tremendous influence on all those who love Christ and follow Him. It is possible for every child of the Lord to achieve the same high and holy status in the Lord. The Lord is no respecter of persons. Where there is full hearted surrender to Him, there is the same attitude and acceptance by the Lord. He would gladly say of each of those who have been born of His Spirit, this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. We can please the Father. * Number correction.