The Answer

Warriors Arise: July 8, 2023

Matthew 3:13-15 (NKJV) Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

When Jesus answers, it is the answer. I am in awe at how God allows us to ask Him questions, even question Him and His decisions. He is so full of love for each one of us. Abraham questions the Lord when He is headed to Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord allows Abraham to question Him several times (Gen. 18:16-33). He is gracious to hear Abraham's request. He also honor's his request. The Lord already had the answer. Abraham's heart may not have been for all of Sodom and Gomorrah but he was concerned for his nephew, Lot and his family.

John the Baptist tried to prevent Jesus from being baptized. He is a pretty fiery man. I am sure he was passionate about his stance. It is odd that Jesus would respond with, "Permit it to be so now." It really wasn't up for discussion. Jesus was going to obey His Father no matter how passionate John would state his case. John was correct in what he was doing. Jesus commended him later in Scripture, saying that there had been no one greater than John the Baptist. But John had his moment, very much like Peter. In Matthew 16:23, Peter is rebuked by Jesus just after Jesus commended him. John was not being rebuked by Jesus. He asked John to permit this. He needed John to do that, because it was the Father's desire. It didn't make sense to John; however, Jesus waited for him to comprehend what the Father desired.

The Lord had the answer for Abraham when he questioned God's judgement over Sodom and Gomorrah. Jesus had the answer for John. He was to permit this because the Father wanted it to happen. Jesus didn't let it get to an argument; he just petitioned John to do what God had positioned him to do. All people needed to be baptized, including Jesus.

Father, I come to You and listen to Your leading. I am humbled to think that You would listen to me. I am humbled that You would allow me to ask You questions, even ones that may be opposed to what You are doing. I know Your heart is merciful. In the midst of destruction, You will come and get Your people, You will make a way out for them as You did for Lot and his family. You allow me to question You when You have asked me to serve You in such a way that I do not feel worthy. There are times I do not consider myself in a place where I can serve You, but You call me forth. You encourage me to agree with your plan for righteousness sake. You value what You have given me to do and I will serve You well. I will keep my eyes on You and do as You have instructed. I will serve You with passion and compassion. I will serve You with faithfulness and love in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

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