Nothing To Prove
(4 minutes)
One day, Jesus came to be baptized along with all the others. As he was consumed with the spirit of prayer, the heavenly realm ripped open above him and the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove and landed on him. Then God's audible voice was heard, saying, "My Son, you are my beloved one. Through you I am fulfilled." (Luke 3:21-22)
Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was being led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had finished, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." (Luke 4:1-3)
How important is it to be fully convinced that you are beloved of the Father? So important that when the enemy shows up to tempt Jesus, the first attack he launches is against Jesus' identity as Beloved Son. This was the same attack he launched against Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Don't be mistaken, the enemy is out for your identity. If he can get you to doubt Yahweh's goodness and your own beloved identity, the hard work is done. Remember Pastor Tim's words from Sunday: "Every decision you make is about these two things: what you believe about God and what you believe about yourself."
The enemy comes to Jesus while He's in a vulnerable state and questions His belovedness. "If you are who you say you are, prove it!" These same accusing words come to us when we're vulnerable, too. It's in the midst of the struggle, the difficult moments, that the enemy comes to attack your identity. Honestly, we don't even need his help most times because we become our own accuser and question ourselves before he even has a chance. "If I am really beloved, why am I struggling with this? If I am really beloved, why is this happening to me?" The temptation is always to leave our place of restful trust in Abba's goodness and start striving to prove that we are who we say we are.
Pastor Tim had some truthful words to share about striving to prove ourselves. He said, "When we strive to prove that we are beloved sons and daughters, we don't really believe that we are beloved sons and daughters. You and me feeling like we have to prove ourselves speaks to us that beloved identity hasn't gone as deep as it needs to go." When you are fully convinced of Yahweh's goodness and your own beloved identity, you will lose every inclination to prove yourself. The fully convinced, beloved son and daughter has no need for striving, earning, and proving anymore. They have been kicked out of the camp to make room for peace, joy, and the uninterrupted, unbroken companionship that we're enjoying with Abba.
What areas are you still trying to prove that you are a beloved son or daughter? Can you see that proving and measuring yourself is actually partnering with unbelief concerning your beloved identity? Abba is calling you to be seated, to rest in what HE says. Being seated is simply believing Abba's words alone. Abba's words concerning you are the only validation you need. The fact that He has said it, settles it in you.
Abba, let my beloved identity go deep in me today. Let nothing move me from being seated in what You have spoken over me. When the enemy or my own accusing thoughts come to tempt me to prove and measure myself, let me find confident rest in Your words. Abba, You are nothing but good and Your words are enough for me!
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Worship: "Promises" by Maverick City Music
Honor: Give Online to The Wilderness Place
Share With Us: We would love to hear how you're encountering Abba in your daily walks. Don't hesitate to share what you're hearing, seeing, or sensing in His presence. Email us here!
