In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11 ESV).
Thinking of the plan and purpose of God I am often reminded of the subtlety of God’s thoughts are in reference to our journey. The picture I’ve included today is of a carnal in the woods of Cades Cove. It was taken by the National Park Service and included in one of their brochures. It is lovely; however, the great beauty is found in how God sees to it that such beauty can be found so commonly around us. Our reading today shows us this principle. We might think that the world-changing and history-making beginning of Jesus’ ministry would begin with a major announcement. We might expect that this would come out as THE news of the day.
But the heavenly declaration that opens Jesus’ ministry is rather low key. It is also rather private—Jesus hadn’t yet gathered any disciples or followers to witness this event. What’s more, the heavenly power does not swoop in like a great eagle with exposed talons. Instead it is described as gently arriving like a dove. The Spirit of God, who had hovered over the waters of creation (cf. Genesis 1:2), similarly graces the person of Jesus, giving us a sign that a new creation is getting under way and that this new effort will also be good, very good. Here in Mark we are given the heavenly insight that Jesus is the unique and truly loved Son with whom God is well pleased.
No matter what you think of yourself, here is a wonderful hint: God has come into the world with the loving intention of bringing about a new creation that includes you. Whatever needs to be re-created by the transformation and blessing of Jesus Christ in your life God’s promise is to do just that. It may not be “earth shattering,” but it will be life transforming. That is His preferred method of ministry. It is in the little things that the greatest changes can be made. What “thing” is there in your life that God desires to make such a difference?