Today’s scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tyler Connoley):
Can you imagine having an experience like the one Jesus has in today’s Scripture? Imagine being baptized in the Jordan river. You’re plunged under the water, and as you come up for air with water streaming from your head, your ears begin to clear and you hear a voice: “This is my child, the beloved, in this one I am well pleased.”
What I wouldn’t give to hear God say those words to me — especially on those days when I don’t feel beloved, when I feel I could have done a better job, could have been a better person, should have known or done something different. Yet, God does call me a beloved child, every day. I just don’t always listen.
In Romans, it says “The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (8:16). The Gospel of John tells us, “To all who received the Word, who believed in Christ’s name, he gave power to become children of God” (1:12). Jesus repeatedly called God “Father,” and reminded us that we are also God’s children with him. When his disciples asked him how to pray, Jesus said to begin, “Our Father. . .” (Matt 6:9).
The Old Testament also testifies to this fact. God is “the rock who bore you in her womb, the God who fathered you” (Deuteronomy 32:18). Isaiah says, “O Lord, you are our father” (64:8). Again and again in Scripture we are taught that we are God’s children, God’s beloved, in whom God is well pleased. Every one of us who was baptized had God say those words to us, as the water ran down our head. And, every day, God repeats those words, whether we can hear them or not.
Thought for the day: God is saying to you: “You are my child, my beloved, in you I am well pleased.” Let that sink in.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.