As a parent, it feels really good to know my grown children are doing well in life. As I consider how my kids are right now… I would simply say that I am well pleased. Of course, when they struggle, my joy is diminished. A favorite pastor of mine once said “you will only be as happy as your saddest child”. I think that’s true. When Jesus was about to begin His public ministry, He was baptized by his cousin John in the muddy waters of the Jordan river. Something very fascinating happened. A voice from heaven (God, the Father) audibly says that He is well pleased with Jesus. Why? What is the significance? As a young man enters Jewish society as a man, he has a bar mitzvah (son of the law) ceremony. Jesus passed he test of scripture knowledge when He was 12 and taught the rabbis in the temple who were amazed by Him. But, the next year would have been his bar mitzvah. Likely his earthly father Joseph died. God, being Jesus’ heavenly Father, speaks the blessing of a bar mitzvah at His baptism. How wonderful that is!
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And 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 from the heavens: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11 NASB
Have I praised my children and let them know that I am pleased with them? How can I bless them in this season?
God, as this day begins- I am grateful for Kai, Eden, Keanu and Kaenan. Thank you for entrusting them to Maureen and I. They are source of great joy in my life. Help me bless them and communicate my pleasure to them in ways that edify and build them up. I pray they each fulfill Your calling on their life by exhibiting love, creativity and joy. I am well pleased. I hope you are with me as well.
