Imagine being in the line-up when Jesus was baptised, and feeling the presence of God as never before.

Luke 3:21-22

When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

A throng of people clamours around the Jordan. So many hearts have responded to John the Baptist’s call to repentance. And in among this crowd, one Man who had no need to repent of anything comes also to be baptized.

Rather than being a sign of personal repentance from sin, Jesus’s baptism signifies His willingness to bear our sins, to identify with us sinners, and take our place.

As testament to this obedience, the heavens open and the Holy Spirit visibly descends on Jesus and the voice of the Father audibly resounds His pleasure. What a moment for those standing by to see and hear the presence of God. What a moment for John waiting for the One he had been preparing the way for to arrive. The Saviour is here!

If we were there, how would we have responded? Would we be awestruck and follow the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world? Would we have been confused? Puzzled? Would the incident just get stashed away in a pile of ‘that was interesting’ moments in our minds? Would that witness of the presence of God stay with us for the rest of our lives?

God’s presence is with us daily. We have the testimony of the Son, our Lord Jesus, the Word of the Father in the Bible, and the comforting company of the Holy Spirit, by Whom Christ is with us even until the end of the world.

This moment in human history by the River Jordan can be replayed every day in the lives of those who believe in the Lord Jesus. This is the amazing blessing of His presence. He has graciously chosen to dwell with us, among us, within us, until such time as we will be forever in His presence. What joy there will be when we can see Him face to face and hear the voice of the Father welcoming us home. For in His presence is fullness of joy.

Head: Picture to yourself that amazing day when the heavens opened and Jesus the Saviour was revealed beside the Jordan. Recapture the awe at the presence of God

Heart: As a member of the family of God, consider how an obedient heart is well pleasing to the Father. Set your heart afresh this day to do His will.

Hands:  The Spirit may not always be visible, but like the wind moving the trees, His presence can be felt. Think as you go about daily tasks today how the Spirit is moving you along the path of life.

Prayer: Thank you Father for your presence, for sending your Son. Thank you Jesus for your presence and taking my place on the cross. Thank you Spirit for your presence in my heart and for guiding my steps. Amen.

A song to listen to: Spirit Of Jesus

Nicole Davenport

For these holidays, we are revisiting our Grow Dailys from the Luke series the Way Home 1.