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Observation

The search for significance, worth and security are universal. It’s where we find the answers to these drawing questions that shape our lives. The search can destroy us as we search in places that demand so much from us, that in trying to find life we lose it. Many of us have tried to find it in possessing and accomplishment, they give us the illusion of fulfilment but ultimately fail us when life’s more complex questions of pain, loss and failure need to be walked. When we fail to answer these questions we either numb the pain, kill the search, or blame others or something for it alluding us. All lead us away from a life of security, significance and worth.

We mature to realise that the answers are beyond what self can find, achieve, and collect. We are right to search these answers out not in and of ourselves, but beyond ourselves. The answers are not in the material world, they are in the spiritual realm. What we really need is rarely what we can give ourselves. But often Christian religion has let us down as it has focused its rebirth story around sin, repentance and forgiveness. And ultimately many walk away with performance being the transaction required for acceptance of the God who gives us security, worth and significance. Now when our performance fails, as it always does, and our continued need for forgiveness has us wondering if God’s patience extends that far, and our shame yells us into the shadows rather than light, then again we lose our sense of significance, security and worth.

But here in the story of Jesus, we see him show us the way to spiritual rebirth by modelling it for us. In the symbolism of baptism, we see death to the life we have created in self, and the rising from under the waters to the new life that is gifted by the father, son and Spirit. And the words of Heaven that follow are critical – “You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.” Here is the only place, the only voice, the only true solid, forever, the foundation for my security, worth and significance. When rebirth and conversation are focused on the story of love, intimacy and pleasure, not sin and my stuff ups, then we would all walk in a deep sense of security, significance and worth all the days of our lives. This is what Heaven wants to declare over everyone, forgiveness of sin merely closes the door on the shame and condemnation voices, it’s “You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased,” that opens the door to the full and beautiful life that is heavens desire. We need a deep conversion to God’s love for us, His parenthood over us, and his pleasure in us if we are to walk into what he desires for us.

Application

I will live in heaven’s declaration. I will allow God’s forgiveness that is flowing over me before I even ask to silence sin’s accusations for good, so I can live in the declaration of Heaven’s sonship, love and pleasure. Here is where I will build my significance, security and worth.

Response

Thank you for declaring over me the basis of my significance, worth and security. You don’t set me a path of earn and deserve, you don’t hide this treasure and send me on a quest, you don’t wait for my desperation and humility to bring me to my knees, you just go ahead and declare over all humanity – “You are my sons and daughters, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.” Thank you that I do not create my significance, worth and security, I receive it from you freely, from your love for me. Now, onto the beauty of life you desire for me.

Meditation

Meditate – You are my son/daughter, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.

Consider:
Have you deeply received heaven’s declaration?
In what are you trying to establish your worth, significance and security?