ESOCS Devotional 6 July 2026 – The Father’s Approval
MEMORY VERSE: “”I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” Psalm 122:1 NKJV
TEXT: LUKE 3:15-22
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.
21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
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At Jesus’ baptism, before He performed a single miracle, preached a sermon, or healed the sick, the Father publicly declared, “You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased.” This moment reveals a powerful truth: God’s approval is based on identity, not performance.
Jesus had not yet begun His earthly ministry, yet the Father affirmed Him with unconditional love and acceptance. This declaration wasn’t for Jesus alone, it’s a model for us. As children of God, we are loved and accepted; not because of what we do, but because of who we are in Christ.
In a world that constantly demands achievement, recognition, and validation, many struggle with feelings of inadequacy. We chase approval through success, people-pleasing, or religious activity. But the Father’s voice still speaks today, calling us to rest in His love and receive His approval that is rooted in grace, not merit.
When we truly believe that we are loved by God, it changes everything. We no longer serve to earn His love, we serve because we are loved. We stop striving and start abiding. This is the foundation of a secure, fruitful, and joyful life.
Jesus ministered from a place of being approved, to not to be approved. That same confidence is available to us as we walk in the Spirit and embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God.
Reflections
- Are you living for God’s approval or from it?
- In what areas of your life do you feel the need to “prove” yourself?
- How does knowing you are God’s beloved child affect your daily life?
Action Step
Affirm your identity daily by meditating on scriptures about God’s love and approval (e.g., Romans 8:15-17). Stop striving for acceptance and start spending time with God simply to enjoy His presence. Encourage others in their identity in Christ; remind them they are deeply loved.
Prayer
- Father, thank you that I am your beloved child.
- Help me to rest in your approval and not chase the validation of others.
- Teach me to live from a place of identity, not performance, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Further Reading: Ezek. 31:1-14, Jerem31:31-34, Philip.1:27- End, 2: 1 – 4
ESOCS Devotional 6 July 2026
