Sunday, July 23, 2023

Jesus is about to begin his public ministry. He is with John the Baptist and is being baptized. As Jesus is baptized, three supernatural signs from God take place: Heaven is opened, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends upon Jesus, and the Father’s voice is heard from Heaven. It was believed that after the days of the prophet Haggai, the Spirit had left Israel and would return once again in the Messianic Age. So the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove is the fulfillment of this Jewish expectation, pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. Then the voice from Heaven is heard: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This statement echoes Is. 42:1: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.” The Father presents Jesus as the beloved Son with whom He is well pleased, and who is wholeheartedly approved. It is no coincidence that this same voice with the exact same declaration is heard at the end of Jesus’ ministry during His transfiguration before three of His disciples.

Haggai’s equipping was instrumental in giving me a bigger vision and a helpful tool to grow deeper as a leader. It also enabled me to more effectively train many leaders in evangelism, leadership, and discipleship. This I continue to do, now using more digital and virtual means. I was also trained by Haggai as a facilitator and was able to teach a course in Singapore some time ago. I am very grateful for the Haggai team of facilitators, administrators, and supporters. May God continue to bless and guide your global ministry.