Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Numbers 29 -31; Matthew 3
Happy with whom we are- Matthew 3:13-17
13 At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him. 14 John tried to stop him and said, “I need to be baptized by you, yet you come to me?”
15 Jesus answered, “Allow me to be baptized now. This is necessary to fulfill all righteousness.”
So John agreed to baptize Jesus. 16 When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him. 17 A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.”
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Today, I am finishing my final session at the Reynold’s Church Leadership Program, sponsored by the United Methodist Foundation and Center of Creative Leadership. It was a joy and honor that I was invited to be part of this cohort. On my way here, I reflected on the journey that started last year, and I have to say that my experience made an impact on my journey, as a follower.
Yesterday evening, there was a banquet in honor of Russ Moxely, an instructor of this program, who led it for the past 20 years.
It was a significant moment to witness, but also an honor to know a person who led by his teaching.
On the first session, he said, “The best practice of leadership is to learn who you are and lead with all the God-given gifts for the kingdom.” And today’s verse attests to his guidance. At the moment of Jesus’ baptism, it says, “A voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.'” Jesus led us to see the kingdom with the gifts he had.
And as we follow Jesus, that was exactly what God said to us in our baptism. ‘I love you and I’m happy with whom you are.’
We might think we are insignificant and unworthy, but in God’s lens, we are capable to lead, as we are.
We are all called to lead as we are!
Prayer
Lord, lead us to see how you will use us, as we are, for your kingdom, today. In the name of Jesus, we pray, AMEN.
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