June 24, 2022

Empowerment of the Holy Spirit

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy. ”

Luke 3:21-22 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Jesus, the Son of God, chose to be baptized in obedience to the pattern that God the Father had established. After His water baptism, the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus—this was a symbol of empowerment much like the disciples experienced in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost.

This was the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Until this moment, Jesus had no recorded miracles or teachings. It was the empowerment of the Spirit that launched His ministry.

If Jesus, the Son of God, needed the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, should not we desire the same in our lives?

Side note, God the Father spoke over Jesus at the water baptism— “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Note that prior to this moment, Jesus had done no great miracle or taught any great sermon. The Father was pleased because of His obedience, not because of His ministry.

We please the Father with our private obedience more than our public works!

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Father God, I want to please You—in public and in private. I want to receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in my life. I want to live in an intimate relationship with You.

Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying to you based on today’s reading.