Beloved Daughters of God
What SHe SAid - Part 12
Jenny Marcelene, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:17, ESV
“You’re not coming?”
My face flushed red. “My son doesn’t want me there.”
My eight-year-old son had invited a professional to speak to his classroom about her career, but he didn’t want me hanging around for the presentation. When he had politely informed me of his preference in the privacy of our home it made sense—no one else had a parent tag along and my son didn’t want to stand out. But that was before I had to tell two school secretaries, a teacher, and the professional this.
While I understood the need to fit in, my own insecurity was attempting to claw its way to the surface. I didn’t want others to think my son didn’t like me. Or that I was a bad mom. I knew the opposite was true, but I didn’t like having to parade a slice of the story to others. What I most needed in those public moments was to remind myself of what was true.
When Jesus began His public ministry, He requested John the Baptist baptize Him. When Jesus came up out of the water, God affirmed His identity by saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). Of all the words God could have spoken, He pinpointed the most important one—His relationship as Father.
Throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, some would call Him crazy, oppose His teachings, only want food and miracles, or seek to kill Him. But as Jesus embarks on the beginning of His public ministry, God communicated His deep love for Jesus as His Son. God’s delight in Jesus was not contingent upon what He did or religious leaders’ views about Him, but who He already was—God’s Son.
As I drove back home, I reminded myself that my worth wasn’t based on what others thought of me. My value is eternally secure because of my relationship with God (John 1:12); Jesus made a way for me to be adopted into His family. My Father delights in me as His daughter whether or not my son wants me present in his classroom or if others disagree with my parenting choices—and the same is true for all who are saved by grace.
Knowing we are God’s beloved daughters will sustain us through the ups and downs life brings.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for always sustaining us no matter what comes our way. Help us to rejoice in our steady identity as Your beloved daughters. Amen.
*A version of this piece was originally published at The Round Farmhouse.
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.