Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, April 16th. We’re halfway through Holy Week, and today’s reading brings us back to where it all began. Before the miracles, before the cross—there was something else. Something Jesus carried with Him all the way to Calvary. And it still speaks to us today.
Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
Scripture
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”” (Matthew 3:16-17 NIV)
Observation
Before Jesus performed a single miracle… before He preached to crowds… before the cross… the Father spoke: “You are My Son. I love You. I’m pleased with You.”
It was a moment of identity—spoken before any public success. And what makes it even more powerful is that all three persons of the Trinity are present: the Father speaks, the Son obeys, and the Spirit descends. In one beautiful moment, we see relationship—deep, eternal, unshakable.
That relationship would become the foundation for Jesus’ entire ministry. It was the Voice before the cross… and the Voice He would cling to in the wilderness, in the garden, on the cross, and in the tomb.
Application
If Jesus needed that Voice before stepping into His calling, how much more do I?
Too often, I measure my worth by what I do—what gets done, who responds, how it all turns out. But, performance doesn’t sustain a soul. Relationship does.
When I’m tired, tempted to quit, or wondering if I’m making a difference… I need to return to that Voice. The one that reminds me: I’m not loved for what I produce. I’m loved.
Jesus didn’t minister for identity—He ministered from it. And if I’m rooted in that relationship—like Jesus—I can face anything.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that before I ever do anything for You, You speak over me: “You are Mine. I love you.” Help me live from that Voice—not for applause, not out of fear, but from a heart that’s rooted in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
—Chris Kiriakos