“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:16-17)

The Son of God has been confirmed! Jesus being God Himself, the second person of the Trinity, we might wonder why the Holy Spirit had to descend upon Him. It was for His benefit to confirm, encourage and initiate His mission. The voice of the Father was for those around to acknowledge their Messiah. This would be only the beginning of a dramatic life of obedience to the Father’s will, leading all the way to the cross. The journey of pleasing the Father had begun.

This miraculous event launches Jesus into ministry. What launches us into ministry? Do we ever hear the word of God our Father saying, “You are mine, I love you and am pleased with you?” We hear that word in our Baptism. We hear that word in the Bible. No, we are not Jesus. No, we will not live a life in perfect obedience like He did. Yet, He comes to us in our baptism and faith, dwelling within us, loving, blessing and guides us through life. We are His children for eternity.

Heavenly Father, may Your Word every be clear to us, that we are Your children for eternity. May our baptism and faith always be real. May we always know Your love and guidance. May we always seek to fulfill Your mission for us. May we be Lights of Christ in the world. In His name. Amen.