Thought for the Day

I'm reading a great book called Anonymous: Jesus' hidden years and yours by Alicia Britt Chole (soon to be reviewed on my book review page), but I'm swept away by her writing. She makes utterly profound statements in a simple way.

Today, I contemplating this:

"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)

". . . the first time Jesus heard these words thundered from the heavens, God spoke them before Jesus had ever done anything for which we call him Savior.

God sounded his affirmation from above over Jesus' life before Jesus ever preached one sermon or enlightened one mind, before Jesus ever healed one body or saved one soul.

These loving words were spoken over Jesus before the timeless teachings, the dramatic deliverances, and the many miracles. They were spoken over his hidden years. God declared his full acceptance and pride over what Jesus had become through his anonymous season. In unseen places, over underestimated years, Jesus had been making unrecorded, unapplauded choices that had prepared him for everything to come. And Father God--who values the seen and unseen alike--was very, very pleased.

. . .God is still shouting these words of love over his children even before we are recognized or celebrated, before we make the grade or make the news or even make dinner. Before we get that promotion or even get out of bed, Father God is already shouting. Not because of any stunning accomplishment but because of who we are: through Jesus, we are his!"

Pretty good, right?
Ariel Rainey2 Comments