“And a voice came from heaven, ’You are my Son, the Beloved,

with you I am well pleased.’”–Luke 3:22b

The Scripture verse above comes from the day of Jesus’ baptism.  Luke’s account of that moment omits some key details. He doesn’t tell us, for instance, that John the Baptist was the officiant or that it occurred at the Jordan River. Yet the gospel writer does report that immediately after Jesus emerged from the waters of his baptism a voice from heaven says “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

As far as the Bible records, that was the first time Jesus heard his father’s voice. Perhaps there had been other times not known to the gospel writers. We don’t know. Yet what is clear is that a young man received a wonderful message at the Jordan. What a difference it must have made for Jesus to know that his father was proud of him. That he was loved. It was the perfect word for the start of his ministry. 

Do you remember that old song, “O give me a home where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play?”  I’m not suggesting you start to sing it, but to consider the next line that begins “where seldom is heard a discouraging word…” I suspect that sentiment isn’t always true of someone you know; maybe yourself.  That instead of being encouraged to take a risk, the message heard is “you can’t do it.” Or instead of building up one who has completed all of the steps needed to make a big life change, the sentiment usually voiced is “are you sure you’re up to it?” 

When words of discouragement are offered first or repeatedly, it can lead persons to think they are silly to dream. When a message of encouragement is rare or missing entirely, individuals can come to feel as if somehow they are not up to the task even when they are. A word of encouragement, though, can make all the difference.

Years ago when I was considering which seminary to attend, my minister father, a graduate of the Presbyterian school near Atlanta, was clear in his wish that I would also attend Columbia Theological Seminary. At first, Dad tried to be subtle about it. He would use every opportunity to extol the virtues of his alma mater and the metropolitan area. He arranged for me to meet the school’s president as well hoping, of course, that Dr. Philips could close the deal. Yet I knew my father was getting desperate when he told me that if I attended Columbia I could see the Atlanta Braves play more often. He certainly knew of my devotion to that baseball team, but even for me that didn’t seem like the best reason for choosing a seminary.  

Dad came to visit me at Princeton during the spring of my first year.  He met several friends and sat in on some classes., too. After lunch, when it was time for him to leave, Dad and I were standing next to his car on the driveway behind Alexander Hall. He was quiet for a moment and then said “You know how much I wanted you to attend Columbia. But after seeing this place and experiencing it with you, if I had to do it all over again, I would make the same choice you did.” I was 25 years old when he spoke those words, but it was a message of encouragement I’ll never forget.   

All around us are people who need that same gift. Persons who need to be upheld in their dreams. Individuals who need to know that they are not alone. Children of every age who need support as they step forward in moments that can be unsettling. Who could use that word from you today? 

All-Knowing Creator, we thank you for the words you spoke at your son’s baptism long ago. Help us on this day, to speak words of encouragement where they are needed, too.  Amen.