Devotion for Monday, September 22, 2025

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased” (Mark 1:9-11).

It takes a perfect man to perfectly repent.  Jesus underwent the baptism we need, and when we are united with Him in repentance, He unites with us so that through His death and resurrection, we are united to His life.  Our hope is in hearing the same words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”  Jesus came as the perfect servant of the living God in order to create in us children of the Heavenly Father.

Lord God, the mystery of this is great, but help me to see the simple truth that You offer to save us, redeem us, and grow us into the likeness of Christ.  He is the first-fruit, but You have called for us to follow Him as He, the author and finisher of our faith, makes of us children of God.  Help me, beyond my understanding, to humbly submit to Your eternal plan, following Your beloved Son.

Thank You Jesus for doing all that is needed so that the completion of the Father’s creation of me as a child of God may take place.  Guide me today and every day that You give me in this age to reach for the place where I may join with all of the faithful saints who have striven to do the Father’s will and receive the prize of eternal life with the words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”  Help me always Lord Jesus.  Amen.