“It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. 2 Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. 3 Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 4 Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! 5 The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. 6 And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”” Luke 3:1-6 NLT
“21 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”” Luke 3:21-22 NLT
God our Father,
Just as You promised in Isaiah all those years previously, John the Baptist came and announced the coming of the Saviour. John heard God’s call in the wilderness (verse 2) and obeyed. He did not whinge, water down the message or run the other way. And it was not an easy calling . . . And then he had the awesome privilege of baptising Jesus. Help us not to whinge, water down the gospel or run away.
And John and those there at the time witnessed the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus and heard God affirming His Son. And that this man Jesus was Your Son God and brought You much joy! Right at the outset God You acknowledged Your Son, there could be no doubt. This is not a just a nice story, a myth or a legend. This is a historical record. It was recorded by Luke 3:21-22 by Matthew in 3:13-17 and by Mark in 1:9-11. Also in John 1:29-34. You God the Father, and the Holy Spirit acknowledged Jesus was Your Son and the promised Saviour. Help us to acknowledge You as our God and Jesus our Saviour.
Help us to know You joy in us too, imperfect as we are. As you foretold in Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 20th October 2025
King of kings, majesty,
God of Heaven living in me,
gentle Saviour, closest friend,
strong deliverer, beginning and end,
all within me falls at your throne.
Your majesty, I can but bow.
I lay my all before you now.
In royal robes I don’t deserve
I live to serve your majesty.
Earth and Heaven worship you,
love eternal, faithful and true,
who bought the nations, ransomed souls,
brought this sinner near to your throne;
all within me cries out in praise.
Your majesty, I can but bow.
I lay my all before you now.
In royal robes I don’t deserve
I live to serve your majesty.
Repeat second verse and chorus . . .
Lyrics: Jarrod Cooper