September 20, 2004

THE PLEASURE OF GOD

"The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him" (John 8:29, NIV).

Everything Jesus ever did pleased God. What an impeccable record! Our Saviour is the unique example of a perfect God-pleaser. This perfect record of faithful allegiance and unswerving obedience was publicly endorsed by God on three pivotal occasions: (1) at Jesus' baptism (see Matthew 3:17), (2) at Jesus' transfiguration (see Matthew 17:5), and (3) at the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry (see John 12:28).

Jesus confidently testified, "I always do what pleases him" (John 8:29, NIV). No one else could ever utter such words in sincerity and truth. To validate this claim, the Father publicly declared, "With Him I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17, NIV). This declaration of pleasure is the fulfillment of the messianic prophecy of Isaiah, who wrote of "My servant... in whom I delight" (Isaiah 42:1, NIV). God was always pleased with the flawless performance of His beloved Son.

The joy of Jesus was in doing the will of His Father. To Him it was as delightful as His daily food (see John 4:34, NIV). The singular purpose of His life on earth was to fulfill the mission on which He was sent. Everything else was incidental to the great object of accomplishing man's salvation. Jesus said, "I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me" (John 6:38, NIV). This is the secret of becoming a God-pleaser. Here's a further insight into this secret: "Of His own life the Saviour said, 'I have kept My Father's commandments' (John 15:10). 'The Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.' (John 8:29). As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived."--The Ministry of Healing, p. 426.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the "Pleasure of God," teach me how to truly please You. Amen.