Matthew 3:17 (NIV)
(God speaking of Jesus at His Baptism)
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I LOVE; with him I am well PLEASED.”
Matthew 17:5 (NIV)
(God speaking of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration)
“This is my Son, whom I LOVE; with him I am well PLEASED.”
There are only 3 recorded instances of the voice of God being heard during Jesus’ ministry. The 2 scriptures above are 2 of the instances. In both instances, God repeats the same phrase “This is my Son, whom I LOVE; with him I am well PLEASED.” You can quickly read over those words and not see that there is a distinction between being LOVED by God and being PLEASING to Him. JESUS DID BOTH! The question I ask is: “Do WE want to do both?”
Everyone likes the idea that God LOVES them unconditionally no matter what their lifestyle, sin, upbringing, imperfections, etc., etc. But, there are two questions we must ask ourselves: “Is God PLEASED with me” and “Do I want to be PLEASING to Him?”
God’s LOVE for us is entirely dependent upon His own ability to love even the most unlovely. Our works, our faith, and even our reciprocation of His love are not a part of the equation. His LOVE is unconditional! But us being PLEASING to Him is dependent upon our personal desire to obey Him and His Word. Everyone is LOVED by God… but not everyone is PLEASING. I find this idea very challenging! I’m thankful He LOVES me… now I want to PLEASE HIM.
2 Corinthians 5:9 (NIV)
So we make it our goal to please him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
And without faith it is impossible to please God.
