P L E A S I N G   T O    G O D

Matthew 3:16-17

Some athletes play to please their parents, others to please their boyfriend or girlfriend.  Some play to please the Lord.  But what really pleases the Lord?  Further, what makes us pleasing to Him?

In Matthew's gospel at chapter 3 and verses 16 and 17 it says, “Then Jesus, when he had been baptized, came up immediately from the water; and behold the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.  And suddenly a voice came from Heaven, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’" 

What a day this must have been!  I've never seen anything like this on my days of competition.  What must have Jesus achieved on this day that merited such a powerful display of affection by the Lord?  Nothing!!  He didn't do anything but be baptized by John.

To this point Jesus had no followers, had done no miracles, had healed no one, had no great achievements.  So why would the Lord say He is well pleased with Him?  It's simple, He says that He is His beloved Son...that's why He's well pleased with Him.

It's the same with us.  Because of our relationship with Christ, we too are pleasing to the Lord.  It's not because of our achievements, or in spite of our failures.  If you have a relationship with the Lord God, you too are His beloved child and He is well pleased with you.

In your pre-game prayer today, thank the Lord for the marvelous privilege you have as His child.  Thank Him for the great security you have in your relationship with Him.  Compete today knowing that He is well pleased with you.

Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 23:13-24
Psalms 54
Numbers 15-17