Mark 1:9-11

⁹ And Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee during those days and he was baptized in the Jordon by John. ¹⁰ And just then while they were coming up from the water, Jesus noticed the sky splitting, and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from out of the sky, “You are my Son, the Beloved One, I approve of you.”

knowing who you are

This was the first supernatural event that Mark recorded, an nobody saw it but Jesus.  But he was the only one who needed to see it.  God can do all kinds of miracles, but he is not interested in putting on a show for us.  Right now, he is interested in us ministering in his name, and doing what he has called us to do.  All that is necessary for that is for us to know two things: who we are in his eyes, and that we have his approval.  That is all it took for Jesus to march straight from those baptismal waters into the scorching Judean desert, to undergo a brutal temptation ordeal.  Every day that Satan questioned if he was the Son of God, Jesus could remember back to that day, that sign of who he was.  Every time Satan tempted him to seek power and approval, he could remember back to that day, and know that he already has it.

Perhaps you are considering serving the LORD in his kingdom.  I suggest you start by dedicating yourself to him in baptism.  The baptism itself can be a sign that your Master knows you, and approves of your service.  Being brought up out of the water can remind you of his promise of spiritual renewal, and of a future resurrection.  That sign can get you through the difficult times ahead.  Knowing who you are can make all the difference.

LORD, we remember your commitment to us we saw when we were baptised.  We know who we are, so promise to serve you and your kingdom all our lives.