A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (November 29, 2017)
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Acts 10:37-38)
There is a key truth that we all tend to forget when we are looking at Jesus and the things He accomplished on the Earth. He was the Son of God, but He was also the Son of Man. What does that mean? It means that while He was on Earth He operated as a man with the same limitations and restrictions that we have. He was tempted just like we are but without sin. He not only came to save us but He came to be an example for us to show us God’s perfect plan for our life. He came to show us that we could walk in the power of the Holy Ghost just like He did. The problem we have is that we always revert back to that same old excuse, “But He was God”.
Do you remember the discussion Jesus had with John the Baptist about Him being baptized? John did not want to do it. John knew that Jesus was the Lamb of God and he felt Jesus should be baptizing him instead. Listen to the response of Jesus in Matthew 3:15 in several different Bible translations:
And Jesus answering said unto him, “Suffer (allow or permit) it to be so now, for thus it becometh us (fit or right for us) to fulfill (complete, finish, perfect) all righteousness (God’s plan or decision).” Then John suffered Him. (KJV)
But Jesus replied to him, Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for [both of] us to fulfill all righteousness [that is, to perform completely whatever is right]. Then he permitted Him. (AMPC)
But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. (NLT)
‘This is how it’s got to be right now,’ said Jesus. ‘This is the right way for us to complete God’s whole saving plan.’ So John consented, (NTE)
Jesus replied, “It is only right to do all that God requires.” Then John baptized Jesus. (TPT)
What we are witnessing here is the execution of God’s perfect plan. When Jesus came up out of that water, the Holy Ghost came and remained on Him (John 1:33). Jesus was baptized in water and the Holy Ghost and thus fulfilled God’s perfect plan for man.
Now, what happened next? Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. This is why we need the power of God! We need the Holy Ghost! We live in a wilderness with temptations everywhere. We are in a spiritual battle and our fight is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). We cannot fight spiritual enemies in the flesh. Just read the story of the Sons of Sceva in Acts 19 and you will see that doesn’t work very well. You fight spiritual enemies in the Spirit and to do that you need the power of the Holy Ghost! You need the entire armor of God and praying in the Spirit is part of that armor (Ephesians 6:18)!
God’s perfect plan includes “Power” for you! It hasn’t gone anywhere. All you have to do is believe it and ask Him for it (Luke 11:13).
