Luke 3:21-38 Who's Your Father?

Luke 3:21-38 NIV
Who's your father? One's genealogy is important to many people. There are many in this world who don't have a clue through no fault of there own. I have spent hours researching my own genealogy on the internet. Where we come from is important, but just as important, if not more important, is where we are going and who loves us.

Today we read about the genealogy of Jesus who is the Son of Man and the Son of God. At his baptism, by John, heaven was opened, the Holy Spirit descended upon him and a voice from heaven declared, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (vs. 21-22) God is the Father of Jesus. Then we read of his earthly genealogy all the way back to Adam.

We all have earthly genealogies; even if we don't know who is in our ancestral tree. But, for those who don't know their family (and even if you do) you should know that our Father in heaven loves you. He loves you enough to send His only begotten Son to live and die and live for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 3 - Brood of Vipers; God's Children

John the Baptist is one of my favorite characters. Can you imagine if I went around saying to people, "...You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance..." (Matt 3:7-8 NIV) Well, actually I do say things similar to this at times, I just don't recall actually calling anyone a viper. Oops, I take that back, too. I do recall an occasion or two when I've let someone know that they were acting like a snake.

Here is John, baptizing with water for repentance and along comes Jesus, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, to be baptized by John.
     "But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
     Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
     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.” (Matt 3:14-17)

Anointed by the Spirit of God at baptism, we hear from that same Spirit, that same God, welcome us into His family with these reconciling words, "You are my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased."

A brood of vipers, we are. Yet, by His grace, we are His children.

God's Peace - Pr. J