March 5

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” — Matt 3:3 BSB

It’s a good thing to be a voice if it’s a voice dedicated to God. John was a voice, telling people that Jesus was coming.

It’s wonderful to have a noble family history, but we aren’t saved by our lineage. Being part of Abraham’s family wasn’t enough to save anyone, even though it was a great lineage. In the same way, it’s not enough to have had a godly grandfather, though that is a great legacy. We can only be saved by being personally right with God.

The baptism of Jesus was His consecration to His role as the Messiah. He knew what it meant. The shadow of the cross was already present as He stood by the Jordan, but He didn’t hesitate. He accepted His anointing and moved forward with His mission.

When we give ourselves to God for whatever work He has for us, the heavens open again, and we receive the Spirit and hear the Father’s approval.