Righteousness: To Be Fulfilled, God’s Plans

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? (Matthew 3:13, 14 NIV)

Motivating Monday!

As we enter last week of January, let’s not forget words declared over our year, now needing implemented. Not everyone seeks a word to declare, yet…set goals, make resolutions, and generate hope for a more productive year. Hope is not lost, if already sidetracked from initial intentions. God’s mercies are new every morning. I love this promise from God. John, the Baptist, felt unworthy to fulfill one of God’s plans for him. Imagine the cost if he failed. We do not want to fail.

Time

Jesus is not with us physically, He is with us Spiritually. You may be one who dismisses any spiritual talk- unbelieving in God, and believing Jesus to be someone of a lesser person. When indeed, Jesus is part of the Trinity– God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit. God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth as baby, born of a virgin. Time came for him to be baptized by John, and John tried to deter him, feeling unworthy.

Unworthy?

This is a feeling we’ve all felt. I explained to a friend not long ago…I know what God wants me to do, yet, it is so much larger than me…I can hardly wrap my brain around. Every time I have gathered courage to begin writing, after the first paragraph- I honestly am in shock those words came from me. Trusting God is like inching out on a high dive, ready to take the plunge…freedom soaring into a dive, slicing through the water. However, we almost miss doing, because unworthiness felt so strong, lacking courage. Is this fear? Likely so…the devil loves to cover us with fear, keeping God’s plans unfulfilled.

Righteousness

Imagine if John kept resisting…yet, he listened to Jesus’ encouragement. Jesus replied, “Let it be so now, it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” The Bible reads…Then John consented. What has God asked us to do and we deter Him, untrusting to fulfill God’s plan…leading to all righteousness. If God’s Will was not larger than ourselves, there would be no need for Jesus. We have to grab hold of God’s instructions, not letting loose, until we overcome the urge to quit.

God’s Plans

Once Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Aren’t these the words we want said over us? Will God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant?” Let’s be motivated to refocus today- goals need to be achieved, God’s plans accomplished. Because…if He has called us to certain tasks, He expects us to complete- in order to fulfill all righteousness. Telling myself, and encouraging you…we have work to do.

Be encouraged!