Read:
Matthew 3:13-17
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17).
The crowd looked on in awe. One minute, he was just another person getting baptized. Next, the heavens opened up with a ringing endorsement from God Almighty Himself, saying “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) Who was this man, and what had he done to earn such praise?
Very little is recorded of Jesus’ early years. Yet while known as ‘the Carpenter’s son,’ Jesus grew a deep and enduring bond with His heavenly Father. Those years of His life are left out of history because they have nothing to do with us. It was a time of loving fellowship between Father and Son. Then, the moment the plan for our salvation began to unfold, we were invited in. The daily details of Jesus’ secret time with God may not have seemed remarkable. However, this time produced fruit that enabled His ministry and gave Him strength to die for us.
We are all called to serve, sometimes publicly. Yet our public service will never have God’s intended impact if we don’t know Him in secret. While serving God in the mundane, the character of public service is developed. It is in the secret places that we learn to delight in the Lord, and in turn become people of delight to Him.
Read Luke 5:16 and Mark 1:35 for tips on how Jesus maintained fellowship with His father in the midst of public service.
Next:
Do you feel drained by activities you’ve undertaken in God’s service? What steps can you take for refreshment and renewal as you learn to walk with God?
Be blessed,
R
Image Attribution:
Wordzpread 
I really liked this one Remi! I love the thought of Jesus’ early years developing the relationship with the Father. Good stuff! I shared. 🙂
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Thanks, Andy!! I’m praying for the grace to incorporate the principle of a long [daily] obedience in the same direction, just as Jesus did 🙂
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This makes sense cuz, I have been feeling like I need to take a break from the public acts of service and develop a deeper secret knowing and service! This piece kind of serves to me as a confirmation to go ahead and do it! The thought of contending with the interrogation and quizzing from well meaning brethren though… Exactly how does one explain that one needs to take a break from ‘serving’ for personal reasons without other people concluding that one is reacting in offence?! God help us!
Love,
IBK
Sent frommy iPhone
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Amen, cuz – I totally hear you!! It is difficult, but I think this is a place where we can take a page from Jesus’ book – He did as was led / convicted, and didn’t bother about the negative reactions from people who didn’t understand His divine mission. Many people still don’t, but the key is that He accomplished what He came to do, and we all have the gift of salvation because He remained focused. I’ll be praying along for the grace to stand firm in what God has placed in your heart.
Much love 🙂
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