August 5 White Linen

Luke 3:21b-22 And as Jesus 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.”
 
HERE is Luke’s account of Jesus’ baptism to inaugurate Jesus’ ministry and the Kingdom of God on earth. His baptism is as much a part of Jesus’ redeeming ministry as is his teaching, healing, preaching, death, resurrection and ascension.  
     Jesus affirms that baptism is key to his role in Matthew’s account of his baptism. As John objected to baptizing the Lord, “Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.” (Matthew 3:15) The Bible declares from Genesis to Revelation that God’s Kingdom, which is his sovereign rule to judge and to save, is defined by his perfection – his righteousness. Look, for example in Genesis 6:9 “This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” Noah became God’s Kingdom representative to save the earth. Then see how the errant King Saul defined God’s anointed David: 1 Samuel 24:17 “You are more righteous than I," he said. "You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.” And note well the description of God’s people in Revelation 19:8 “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.
    Jesus fulfilled all of God’s design for the Kingdom of God as his baptism signified the new birth in his resurrection to come. In one sense, John was correct. Jesus didn’t need to be baptized for repentance. But Jesus spoke, “It is proper for us to do this.” because his baptism would demonstrate the way of eternal repentance for those washed clean in Jesus’ blood.   
    Be so very thankful for the perfect Savior. The Son of God fulfilled all his Father commanded. His perfection makes your eternal perfection, your eternal righteousness, possible. One day, as the Holy Spirit has made you perfect in Jesus resurrection, you will wear the white linen of righteousness in Heaven.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being the righteous Leader, who modeled perfection in the way you lived here on earth. In your perfect name, Lord of Lords, I pray, amen.