God's Holy Fire: 'The Chosen One of God'

Sunday, August 9, 2026

[John the Baptizer continued,] "I didn't know [Jesus] was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God."
— John 1:33-34 NLT

Key Thought

John doesn't claim that he has any special knowledge of Jesus' identity because of insider information as a cousin of Jesus. No, John's recognition was based on the revelation from God and the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God's Chosen One, and a key part of Jesus' role as the Chosen One is baptizing people with the Holy Spirit. Jesus' identity, ministry, and message are all tied to the work of the Holy Spirit! We can't follow Jesus without a deep appreciation and recognition of the vital role the Spirit plays in Jesus' life as well as our own!

Today's Prayer

Gracious God, the Almighty, who has chosen to dwell in my heart through your Holy Spirit, thank you for revealing yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Be at work in my life through the Spirit. Purify my heart, transform my mind, and empower my actions so that I will honor you and help others know your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

He Is the Chosen One of God
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[John the Baptizer said,] "I didn't know [Jesus] was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the..."
He Is the One
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[John the Baptizer said,] "I did not recognize [Jesus] as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel." ..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:33-34 NLT — "I didn't know [Jesus] was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 9, 2026

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Isaiah 51:6
"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'People Were Divided' (Acts 14:4-7)
"But the people of [Iconium] were divided in their opinion about [Paul and Barnabas and their message]. Some sided with the Jews, and some with the....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'All Glory' (Ro. 16:25-27)
"Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Past Sins Do NOT Mean You Can’t Come to God'
"Joshua was wearing dirty clothes and was standing in front of the angel. The angel said to those standing in front of him, ‘Take off those dirty..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations