Today’s devotion is based on Week 2 of “Resolve”: Live Your Baptism Identity! (WATCH HERE)
Set apart for special work
In just a few days, Donald Trump will be sworn in to be the 47th president of the United States. In front of the country, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will administer the oath of office and the country and world will know that Donald Trump is now set apart as the President of the country.
A public ceremony and proclamation is done to ensure there is no doubt or question that this person is legally designated to carry out this role of leadership in our country.
Imagine if there were not public component to it. Would their be certainty as to who was president? What if no one saw him take the oath of office, would there be confidence that he actually was willing to take on the awesome responsibility of the task. A public setting with a public proclamation make the transition of power in our country clear to all.
For a similar reason and because it was such a significant and important role for all humanity, the Father in heaven wanted the world to know that Jesus was his Son and he was the one being set apart for the very important task of doing all that was necessary to secure the salvation of all humanity.
The Gospel of Luke records it this way, “And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove” (Luke 3:21-22). The presence of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the Father left all who were there with no doubt that Jesus was being set apart by God himself for a special task.
Imagine if this didn’t happen. Would we be as confident that Jesus was the Son of God? Would we know for sure that the Spirit of God was on him and setting him apart for his preaching and teaching ministry.
The short answer is, “No.” We would not have the same confidence that Jesus was who he claimed to be or set apart for God’s special work if it was not publicly proclaimed at his baptism.
Jesus was filled with the Spirit and affirmed by his Father…the Trinity at work!
Perhaps there are days or seasons where we don’t feel important or special. Perhaps there are times we wish we could make a difference or make an impact in a positive way with the people around us.
When you feel this way, don’t forget your baptism. In your baptism, there as was public declaration that you are a child of God … and the Spirit came to live in you. The heavens maybe didn’t open and dove didn’t fly into the church, put with baptism there is a promise of God’s Spirit coming to set you apart as a child of God gifted to serve the Lord with your life. Peter understood this as he told the people at Pentecost:
Acts 2:38-39 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Never forget that you are set apart by God’s Spirit for a life of purpose and meaning. The Spirit of God is on you to give you gifts and empowers you to use them.
Enjoy living in identity and gifts God has given to you in your baptism!
Apply: As you begin your day today, begin with the awareness that the Spirit of God is on you and in you to live today to the glory of God and the blessing of the people around you!
Prayer: Spirit of God, thank you for filling me with your presence and power and giving me gifts to give glory to God and be a blessing to others. AMEN.