January 20, 2004

THE BELOVED SON

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 17:5).

This title of endearment describes the unbroken love relationship that has always existed between the Father and the Son. The designation "My beloved Son," is an affirmation of God's pleasure in the perfection of His Son. It is an audible, public endorsement of Christ's preeminence over all the universe.

Even before the ordeal of Gethsemane, the agony of Calvary, and the triumph of the resurrection, God could confidently express His complete satisfaction in His Son. He could confidently declare in advance that He was well pleased in His beloved Son. On the mount of transfiguration, God not only voiced His satisfaction of Jesus, but added, "Listen to Him!? (Matthew 17:5, NIV). This is God's way of saying, "My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, is heaven's authentic spokesman," By this affirmation, God verified forever the redemptive credentials of Jesus Christ our matchless Saviour. God's approval of His son was a response to Jesus' prayer. Jesus prayed as our substitute and surety, and now the human family may find access to the Father through the merits of His well-beloved Son.

Those who accept the saving grace of Christ are drawn into the same filial oneness with the Father. The apostle Paul referred to this bond between the Redeemer and the redeemed by declaring that God chose us in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world and "made us accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6, NKJV). What a sublime privilege! In a parallel passage, Paul declared, "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" (Colossians 1:13, NIV). When Jesus comes to set up His kingdom, "He comes as One equal with God, as His own beloved Son, Prince of heaven and earth. He is also the Redeemer of His people, the Life-giver."--In Heavenly Places, p. 357.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I thank You that Your beloved Son is my loving Saviour. Amen!