"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2Corinthians 4:16-18
Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV)
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 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 alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” The leadership of Joshua is established on the banks of the Jordan River. After wondering for forty years Moses dies, Joshua becomes the leader, and Israel marches to the Jordan. Joshua sends the cry throughout the camp, “Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” The following day God does amazing things; He parts the Jordan River; Israel crosses on dry ground. The nation moves into the Promise Land. The leadership of Joshua is founded. John the Baptist establishes his ministry on the banks of the Jordan River. He calls the people of Israel to repent; they come to be baptized, signifying a new beginning. They come in droves, leadership comes. Once again, the Jordan River becomes a sacred place. Then Jesus comes to this sacred place to be baptized by John…. I am grateful for the sacred places in my life. My mind goes to the church where I was converted and later married my wife. I’ll always think of the church where I was called to preach as a sacred place. There is a particular spot on the Appalachian Trail where the Lord surprised me with His presence in an unusual way; this is a sacred place to me. The dinner table was always a sacred place as our children grew up; we guarded the evening meal together as a family; devotions were conducted; values were taught; this was a sacred place. Jesus, however, comes to the most sacred place. When Jesus comes to be baptized by John, He comes to the place of surrender. For Jesus it meant being led into the wilderness, being tempted by Satan, three exhausting years of ministry, and ultimately crucifixion. Jesus will live in this sacred place. Illustrated in the Garden of Gethsemane “…Father if it is possible let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” “Your will be done.” There is nothing more precious to the Father than a man or woman in the place of surrender. Our willingness to enter into this place of surrender is directly related to our understanding and faith in God’s unconditional love. “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Is more than a theological statement; it is a declaration of relationship. It is God the Father’s declaration of unconditional love He longs to make over every human being. “If God had a face, what kind of face would he make at you right now?” “Would his face say, ‘When are you going to shape up? I’m fed up with you and your hang-ups. My patience is exhausted. We’re going to have little reckoning’? If God said only one word to you, would the word be Repent? Or would he say, ‘Thank you. Do you know what a joy it is to live in your heart? Do you know that I have looked upon you and loved you for all eternity?’ What would God say? What is the feedback you get from your Creator?” (Brennan Manning, “Reflections for Ragamuffins” Jan. 9) God loves you unconditionally. It is His unconditional love that leads us to the sacred place of surrender. His response to us in this sacred place of surrender is unconditional love. In this sacred place it’s okay to get in over your head: start a conversation about faith you never dreamed you would; commit to ministry you feel totally ill-equipped to do; risk loving someone; love that someone you know will never love you back. You are the Father’s favorite and little else matters.
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AuthorTim Young is a follower of Jesus Christ. He is married to Sue and is the father of 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Beyond his faith and family Tim is passionate about hiking, backpacking and fitness. He lives in Southwest Missouri in the Ozarks. Archives
January 2020
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