Have you
ever overheard someone describe you to another person? It is hard not to get
itchy ears in such a case. You will typically either get angry or happy
depending on how that person describes you. My doctoral mentor Leonard Sweet
often says the greatest compliment you can give someone is to tell their story
in front of others in a way that is accurate and honors them. This is what God
the Father does for Jesus at the inauguration of his ministry while he is
baptized by John.
These words
are incredibly significant. They are drawn from the prophetic Divine Servant
prophecies given by Isaiah 700 years earlier. They show intimate relationship: my beloved Son. They show trustworthy
character and conduct: with you I am well
pleased. They are given publicly so Jesus’ credibility with others is
immediately established. They are even accompanied by the physical affirmation
of the Holy Spirit descending on him in
bodily form like a dove. Although Jesus was truly the Divine Son, this
affirmation gave him immediate credibility with all those present and word
about him spread.
When was the
last time you publicly affirmed another? It is so easy to tear down others in
gossip, but we have the opportunity every day to affirm others in a way that
can establish their credibility and increase their ability to accomplish their
mission. Look for a chance today to speak well of someone to another.
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