"In Whom I Am Well Pleased"


In John 8:29 Jesus declared, "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." This scripture is often cited to highlight our Lord's respect and humble obedience to His Father. This attitude is vital in understanding the motivation for the exemplary attitude and conduct that is central to a right relationship with God the Father.

Scripture facilitates the proper understanding of this attitude and conduct because it is integral to the reciprocal, loving relationship between God the Father and God the Son. Additionally, scripture affords readers several instances of God affirming His love for, and pleasure in, Jesus the Son.

I believe that all children look for and desire parental approval. The application of parental approval encompasses nurturing behavior that brings about the Christian conduct which is fundamental to healthy spiritual relationships. This is the model that we have from God the Father and reciprocated by God the Son. Their example serves as the preeminent perfect model of a right relationship with God the Father, and should be present in any right relationship between father and child (no matter the age).

Many of us can remember, with sentimental delight, the occasions when our parents publically acknowledged our conduct in a positive manner. It is "the moment in time" when a child freely chooses obedience and submission, over and above rebellion and selfishness. Such was the occasion of Jesus' baptism.


"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?' But Jesus answered and said to him, 'Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:13-17).

All too often we want to know what is the least we have to do and still be acceptable. Jesus, motivated by His love for the Father, was willing to do all he could to bring joy to the Father, and of course, the Father acknowledges the attitude that was in Jesus.

What does it take for us today to totally give ourselves over to God so that we too might hear the words "This is my beloved son (or daughter) in whom I am well pleased?" (ed. mine)

In Christian Love,        


 

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  Madison, Tennessee 37115
 
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