The verse that stood out the most to me in this chapter was 14. Jesus had come to John and requested that he baptize Him. John initially refused by saying he should be the one being baptized by Jesus. Let’s talk about John!
Imagine the Son of God in His great majesty requesting for you to baptize Him. I am sure that John didn’t feel as if he was worthy enough to baptize Jesus. But as Jesus explained to him, John had to baptize Him as it was a part of the fulfillment of God’s righteousness. In other words, this moment was the fulfillment of prophesy. With that revelation, John agreed to baptize Jesus. And we read in verse 16 that when Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit of God descended from the open heavens like a dove and settled on Jesus.
Don’t we feel as if we are not worthy to possess the Spirit of such a majestic God. Don’t we feel as John did at times when God desires to use us to fulfill His will in our lives or to use us as His vessels to impact others. At some point, we must realize and accept that as long as we possess and are led by the Holy Spirit, strive to be more like Jesus, ensure that we continue to nourish our relationship with Him, and lead holy/upright lifestyles, we are worthy to be His vessels. Dedicating our entire being to God shows our commitment to Him. This portion ties into verses seven and eight when John told the Pharisees and Sadducees to prove that they had repented and turned to God in the way that they lived. Confessing a change versus living a change is a great difference. People should see God through the way you live. You should have fruit that is found to be good on inspection. Don’t get me wrong. You won’t always get things right, but you are made perfect by the Holy Spirit that dwells within you. Accept that God loves you and desires to be close to you. Accept that He desires that closeness despite what you’ve done in your past, any mistakes you’ve made, and your feelings of unworthiness. Accept His love and forgiveness. Live your life for the One that bought yours when He sent His only Son to Calvary. You are worthy!
Real Talk with Keve 