FULFILLING ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS

Dearly Beloved, FULFILLING ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15 NIV). Like John the Baptist, one would wonder why Jesus Christ would present Himself for a baptism of repentance. However, Jesus' response to John the Baptist was that it was appropriate for Him to take part in John's baptism at that time in order to fulfil all righteousness. Since there was no requirements about baptism in Mosaic Law, Jesus could not have had in view anything pertaining to Levitical righteousness. Nevertheless, John the Baptist's message was a message of repentance, and those experiencing it were looking forward to a coming Messiah who would be righteous and who would bring in righteousness. If Jesus Christ as the Messiah were to provide righteousness for sinners, He must be identified with sinners. It was therefore in the will of God for Him to be baptized by John in order to be identified with sinners. This identification received the approval of God as God sent down His Spirit on Jesus and declared that Jesus is His beloved Son. Jesus Christ did not only identify with the people by His baptism, He actually came to serve them and give His life as ransom for them (see Matthew 20:28;  Philippians 2:4-8). Because of this, He was exalted to the highest place and given a name above all names "...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11 NIV). Most of people in high places and positions of leadership find it difficult to be identified with people they are leading and are in low places. They think that they are "too big" to be identified with the downtrodden. They are not ready to sacrifice their pleasure to satisfy the people that are under them. They have forgotten that in God's reckoning, "The greatest among you will be your servant" (Matthew 23:11 NIV). No wonder, Paul admonished in Romans 12:16, "Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position" (NIV). In what way do you identify yourself with the people you are leading or serving? Do not be "too big" to really serve others around you. To fulfil all righteousness, find ways you can identify with people around you. The Lord will indeed reward you for this. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be too proud to identify with people around you.