The first is when God declares at the baptism of Jesus by John in the river, that "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." From an interesting discussion, the author supposes that this was a test of Christ's resolve, and "At his baptism, Jesus chose to willingly identify with fallen humanity in order to 'fulfill all righteousness.'" The beginning of His journey.
One has to wonder at the tests that Christ experienced throughout His lifetime. And what He might have been thinking as He met His cousin at the river, knowing that life as He knew it was about to change, in a very dramatic way.
The second is one you will often find between couples who are married, a phrase from the Song of Songs 2:16: "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." Some friends of mine used the Hebrew version in their wedding rings (דּוֹדִי לִי וַאֲנִי לוֹ), always as a reminder to each other that they were "dearly loved."
So in your meditation today, I'm going to ask you to put yourself in the shoes (so to speak) of God as His Son begins a journey to redeem mankind. Think about what Jesus was thinking as he stepped into the river to become the Christ. And think about who in your own life is beloved.
Activity for Today: Be nice to someone you are not particularly fond of; pray for them and for yourself, that your heart may be open.
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