Matthew 3-4, Psalm 82
Matthew 3:16-17 (NLT)
“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’”
In Matthew 3:16–17, we read about the Spirit of Father-God descending like a dove upon Jesus Christ after He was baptized by John the Baptist. Then a voice from heaven identified Jesus as His Son.
I've read these verses many times over the years, but what stood out to me today was the similarity between what happened at Jesus' baptism and what happened in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost. At Jesus' baptism, the Spirit descended like a dove, while at Pentecost the Holy Spirit came with the sound of a mighty wind and what appeared to be tongues of fire. When Jesus was baptized in water, Father-God spoke from heaven. At Pentecost, the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit enabled them to speak in other languages.
These verses remind me that the Lord sometimes reveals His power in similar ways throughout Scripture, showing believers that His purposes are unfolding across time. These events also remind me of the faithfulness and unchanging nature of Father-God. I can trust that when I read the Bible, I am seeing examples of the Lord's faithfulness and power, and that the same God who worked powerfully in the lives of His people then is still at work in my life today.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment