God's Holy Fire: 'Like a Dove'

As recorded in Luke's gospel, Jesus is promised by the Spirit, conceived by the Spirit, recognized by the Spirit, and announced by the Spirit. We know Jesus and the Holy Spirit are inextricably linked together as God. Yet, to inaugurate Jesus' ministry, the Holy Spirit accompanies the voice of the Father in affirming Jesus at his baptism. Even though Jesus comes to John the Baptizer like all the rest of the people do, Jesus is unique. He does not need to repent — his heart and life are already in line with the will of God. He does not need to have sins forgiven — he is sinless. He does not need to prepare himself for the coming of God's kingdom — he will proclaim, demonstrate, and bring God's kingdom. For Jesus, his baptism is a moment where God reveals who Jesus is to those who do not know him: Jesus is God's beloved Son who pleases God in all he does. The Spirit's presence in the bodily form of a dove is another sign of this truth. What Jesus does in his ministry, his death, his resurrection, and his pouring out the Spirit on his followers is put in perspective. Jesus is doing God's work in God's way with God's approval as God's Son. So, just as we have welcomed Jesus at his birth, let's have our lives shaped by Jesus' life and teachings. Let's get to know our Savior so the Spirit can conform us to be like him (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Another daily devotional series — What Jesus Did! — focuses on Jesus' life and ministry, and an additional one — A Year with Jesus — focuses on Jesus' teachings. Near the bottom of the web page for each devotional, you can subscribe to receive the daily devotionals by email. These devotionals can help us as we seek to have our lives shaped by Jesus' life and teachings.