In Matthew Three, John the Baptist is at the river Jordan baptizing when Jesus shows up and comes through the crowd. He walks to the river’s edge and steps into the water. (the river He created). We know according to Scripture that John recognized Him and tried to talk Jesus out of it; “I need to be baptized by You,” but out of humble obedience, Jesus submitted himself to the will of the Father, and John baptized Him. You’ll remember when He came out of the water there were some signs: the heavens opened wide, the dove descends, and God speaks: “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”
What kind of resume did Jesus have? He had worked in a carpenter shop, hadn’t performed any miracles or called any disciples, hadn’t preached in the synagogue or raised the dead, and yet, here the Father is giving Him full approval. But then Jesus leaves this high and holy moment and goes straight into the wilderness. Satan, the father of all lies and deception shows up to test Him. Jesus is there alone, praying and fasting; confronted by the enemy of the soul.
We know about the three temptations, but I want to suggest to you that there was really only one—the temptation to do what we want rather than obey Him. But Jesus is victorious over Satan—the Father of all lies. Then, out of the desolation there is consolation—the angels come and attend to Him. Now, I don’t know what you believe, but I believe my God can do anything!
Let me say that again. I believe my God can do anything!
First, we have the river Jordan, then the wilderness, and now three years later we have a mountain top. In Matthew 17, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to the mountain top, and there is where it happens—Moses and Elijah show up.That’s just the beginning. They had seen Jesus’ humanness. They had seen the miracles. They had witnessed all that He had said and had done, but suddenly Jesus is transfigured, and His God-ness comes out. It’s bright, it’s shining and it’s irresistible. There’s a bright cloud and a voice—an echo from the river Jordan; “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) admonishes us that,“ 9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Satan does his best to get us to focus on ourselves, to focus on what was (You remember the good old days), or concentrate on what is (I told you this is a waste of time.
You’re going to fail!). Let me remind you that the good work that Jesus Christ has begun in you is the work of salvation and sanctification, and He promises that He will see it to completion.
The good work that Jesus Christ has begun in you is salvation and sanctification, cleansing, transformative, holiness, heart purity, being completely sold out, seeking Him FIRST, and He promises that He will see it to completion.
What was—what is—what could have been—what will be. From Romans 15:13 (NLT): “ 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” We need to be holding on to God’s holy Word, we need to focus, hold onto God’s promises, let go of our plans, and move forward as the Lord determines our steps. Let me say this with all that is within me: WE MUST DETERMINE TO FINISH WELL!
Always in His Service, Pastor Ron Fellowship Church of the Nazarene