MONDAY 9 JANUARY - ARRIVE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

This week on Battle Drill devotionals we focus on Jesus’ obedient service to the Father, and how following his example will lead to God’s approval.

Read Matthew 3:13-17. “The name’s Bond. James Bond”. When a superhero bursts on the scene, he or she often announces their arrival with all guns blazing.

When Jesus began his ministry, he did the complete opposite. His first ever words recorded by Matthew did not announce his arrival. Instead, he simply asked to be baptised by John. Just reflect on that for a moment. Jesus, God’s one and only Son, asked his cousin John to baptise him. No wonder John felt unqualified to do so!

Jesus, the perfect man, who never sinned, did not need to be baptised. But he accepted baptism in obedient service to his Father. He did it to “carry out all that God requires” (v.15). Jesus wanted to accomplish God’s purpose for him. He saw baptism as validating and advancing the work God had for him to do.

You and I cannot earn our salvation. There is nothing we can do to make God love us any more than he does now. Salvation comes as a gracious gift from God alone. But as children of God, like Jesus, we can bring pleasure to our heavenly Father by obeying what he asks of us. Why? Because our obedience shows we truly love God.

THINK IT OVER

Think about the following:

What has God told you to do that you’re delaying doing? Are you ready to obey?