September 28: DECLARING FOR HIS BRIDE

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

The love of God for the people whom He created is beyond our human comprehension. This fact is part of the reason that faith is necessary. The relationship that He desires with His people is one that, ideally, is ever-growing in closeness and intimacy. This requires the exercise of faith on our part (Hebrews 11:6). It is within this intimate relationship that the miracle of transformation becomes a reality. This change that is needed in the life of every sinner (that would be all of us!) includes an ever-expanding knowledge of the character of God (see Jeremiah 9:24).

Jesus came into our world to reveal the true character of His Father. Not only does our heavenly Father love us mightily, that love is the very core of His nature. He is love (1 John 4:8). When the sinless Son of God was baptized, it was, in a powerful spiritual sense, a declaration of marriage. This act, associated with the “gathering of waters” (mikveh in Hebrew), was a sign of spiritual cleansing prior to a major event in the Jewish community. Both the groom and the bride were immersed in the mikveh, as a public declaration of betrothal. This commitment was so serious that a divorce was required to dissolve it (see Matthew 1:19).

John the Baptist was surprised by Jesus’ request for baptism, for he knew that the Lamb of God (John 1:29) was not in need of any sort of spiritual cleansing. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him (Matthew 3:14-15).

The baptism of Jesus was a revelation to the world of His intent toward all who would choose to enter into a relationship with Him. The example that He set is meant to be followed by those who accept His proposal. It is also likely that He was baptized on behalf of His beloved who are not able to be baptized. Think of the thief on the cross who said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). At that moment, he was assured by the Savior of a place in Paradise (v.43), the future re-creation of our world before our very eyes! This entire world will become like the garden of Eden. Hear these assurances for all of His beloved:

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to [John], “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13