“and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22
Today, would God say He is pleased with you?
He wants to say that- and He is, if you have accepted Christ into your heart, life and soul. But, there is more to that formula, isn’t there?
God said this at Jesus’ baptism, which at the time was only a cleansing act. Anytime a Jew felt they had sinned and were unclean, they went to be washed by baptism. Today, so must we undergo mini baptisms and call upon the blood of Christ to wash us white as snow. How? Confession.
I recall a time that I had done something I should not have done. For the life of me I can’t remember what that deed was, but to this day I remember how horrible I felt. If I told my mother, I knew I’d be disciplined. I didn’t want that. I was afraid she’d find out because moms always do, so I pulled away from her and avoided her the rest of the day. I barely spoke to her the next day. Each hour the fear and anguish grew. She paid attention to my siblings but I’d walk away. I actually became jealous that they were in good with her when I was not. I beagn to think she didn’t love me as much as they. I becsme the victim instead of the offender. I stewed and stewed until it all burst out in tears. Once I’d confessed, my relationship with my mother was restored. Only then did I learn how much I had hurt her, and myself.
Where are you with God? Are you afraid to go to Him and confess your sins in fear He might discipline you? Do you pull away because you know He knows? Are you stewing in jealousy of others’ closer relationship with Him? Do you cry out “Please God love me, forgetting it is you who pulled away?”
Ever hear of getting back in good graces with someone? It means to restore your relationship with them so they will think of you in a favorable way – they are pleased to be in your company. Each night, before we close our eyes, we should wipe the slate clean with our Lord. It is a good time to touch base with Him, receive His forgiveness, discipline and loving embrace.
To get back in good graces with God, i.e. receive God’s mercy and grace, we must be the ones willing to come forward and be cleansed. Once we do, He will say to us as He said to Jesus, “You are my child. I am pleased with you.” And His Spirit will once again rule in us.
