The First Step

I had read today’s quoted verse, which appears straight after the baptism of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, perhaps hundreds of times. Yet when I read these words again recently, I was struck by a sudden insight: these words were spoken before Jesus began his earthly ministry. 

I wondered what would cause this voice from heaven to say, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ The teaching, the healing, the comfort for the afflicted, the affliction for those a little too comfortable, the words of hope, the wisdom of the sermon on the mount and the parables, and the cross and the resurrection—none of these had happened yet. The baptism of Jesus was only the first step in the great ministry which God had planned for him.

Jesus began his ministry and mission knowing that God was well pleased with him. I think God is already well pleased with us as we take the first step in any new ministry. This prompted me to ask myself, ‘What first step do I need to take in order to begin whatever mission God has set aside for me?’ We can trust that as we take that first step, God is already well pleased!

Prayer: O God, as we step forth ready to serve in your name, challenge us and bless us. Amen