Saturday 19 Mar 2022

March 19: Matthew 3:13-17

Key Verse: Matthew 3:17
And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’

Devotion:
What do you do when God asks you to do something? How do you know God is asking you to do something? To many, these seem like hypothetical questions because they don’t see how an unseen God can ask anything of us when we are surrounded by the noise of this world!

John was doing what God had asked of him; going to the river and teaching people about repentance and baptism. He continued to do so whatever he faced. He knew Jesus would come and baptise people in the Holy Spirit instead of just water like he was, but he knew this is what God was asking him. John was willing to stop and listen for God. He did not rush into everything and do what the world shouted most for; he took time out and listened to hear what God was asking.

When Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John, He was doing so because this was what was required. John heard what Jesus said and listened to Him. John knew this was a symbolic baptism because Jesus was the Son of God. John knew there was nothing he could do on earth which would make Jesus any better; but he still listened and obeyed!

This is what God requires of us, to stop listening to the world around us and to focus on what He is saying. This may take time because we are so distracted by the world, but God is trying to get through to us all the time. When John was obedient, he, and all the people there, were rewarded by hearing God declare Jesus to be His own Son and they saw the Spirit of God come down and rest on Jesus like a dove landing on Him. Listen and watch for the rewards.

Points to Ponder:
Do you listen to God?

Will you stop listening to the world and focus on God to hear Him clearly?