SCRIPTURE: Luke 3
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” [Luke 3:21-22] John the Baptist uses water and words, but Jesus comes as the Word, in the power of the Spirit. He is called God’s Son. But also note how the genealogy that follows this declaration finishes by describing Adam as the son of God [Luke 3:38].

Jesus finishes what Adam (and Eve) failed to do. Appointed as God’s rulers in creation, they surrendered to Satan. Jesus restores the rule of mankind over creation; He is the last Adam, and He will re-establish God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God is God’s creation under His authority, with harmony and peace between God, His children and His creation. God did not cease to be King of creation, but His Adam and Eve ceased as His royal rulers, and paradise became hell. Now, finally, God restores the son of God to the throne, and through Him restores His creation. Paradise is coming back!

But how does it come back? Not with an army, but with a movement of people who live by God’s virtues – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, self-control. These Spirit-enabled virtues are how paradise is restored. This is why John tells those who come for baptism to change their ways, to adopt God’s character. Only then can God say of us (like Jesus), with you I am well pleased.” For now the message is announced and people are invited to surrender to the new King. But a time is coming when those who refuse to repent will reap the consequence.

This baptism scene echoes the words of Psalm 2 – I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill. I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” … Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. [Psalm 2:6,7,12]. This is good news: the King has returned, paradise is being restored, evil will be overcome, good will triumph. Now finally, the opening words of the bible are fulfilled: “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” [Genesis 1:26] And one day, through Jesus, He will see all that he had made, and it (will be) very good. [Genesis 1:31].

PRAYER:
Lord, You are King of creation and King of me. I choose to work with You in restoring God’s paradise. Help me to repent and start living like You!