Understanding God’s Plan: How Jesus Transforms Our Lives Beyond History

Ask for the Nations

Leah Ramirez

Day 3 – January 3
Genesis 26, 27; Matthew 3; Psalm 99

We often reduce the Gospel to a mere history lesson, but this approach does it a great disservice. Indeed, Jesus, the Son of God, walked among us in the flesh, revealing our Father’s nature and sacrificing His life on the cross – not only for us but as us. Yet, the Gospel is more than a historical account; it’s a living invitation.

Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, existed before the world’s foundation. The scriptures declare that He was destined for sacrifice long before time began. More than that, and this is a great mystery, He was slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) Remember, Heaven transcends time, making the Gospel eternally relevant. Now is the time for salvation!

So, how are we saved? How are we transformed?
Through hearing and believing.

This is beyond mere repetition or intellectual agreement. It requires a deeper commitment. Being created in God’s image, we mirror the relational dynamics of the Kingdom. Just as we open our hearts to those who sincerely seek to know us, God opens Himself to those who genuinely seek Him.

We desire to be understood, to share our deepest selves – and so does God.

When we earnestly listen and earnestly seek, turning our attention towards God, He meets us. Our mutual longing pulls us closer, and He welcomes our pursuit.

What is the culmination of all this?
Complete immersion.

Jesus’s mission was to immerse us fully – to bring us into an intimate union with the Father, Son, and Spirit. This communion extends beyond our relationship with God, baptizing us into unity with one another. We begin to see each other not as separate entities but as part of a singular, divine body.

John the Baptist laid the groundwork for Jesus. He baptized with water, symbolically preparing a nation for priesthood and divine service. This act foreshadowed the deeper immersion of the Spirit that Jesus would bring. John’s baptism was total, submerging people completely in water, mirroring the comprehensive nature of the spiritual baptism to come.

We often refer to John as the baptizer for he used water. But Jesus baptizes us with the Spirit and fire – a transformative, all-encompassing baptism. Once we accept, the process is continuous and relentless.

“Those who repent I baptize with water, but there is coming a man after me who is more powerful than I. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will immerse you in the Spirit of Holiness and fire. He comes with a winnowing fork, ready to separate the pure from the worthless and gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff will be consumed by an unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12 TPT

Jesus is the true baptizer. Today, the offer of salvation stands. It’s an invitation waiting for your response.  There is more.  

Say yes!

Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts on Transformation and God’s Timing

1. Exploring Personal Transformation: Reflect on a moment in your life when you felt a significant shift or transformation in your faith. What sparked this change, and how did you perceive Jesus’ role in this transformation?
2. Interpreting God’s Timing: Can you recall a time when God’s response to your prayers was unexpected or took longer than you anticipated? How did this experience affect your understanding of God’s plan and timing?
3. Relational Aspect of Faith: How do you personally connect with the idea that God seeks a relationship with us and desires to be known? Describe a time when this aspect of faith became particularly meaningful to you.
4. The Impact of Full Immersion: What does the concept of ‘full immersion’ in your relationship with God mean to you? How does this idea influence your daily spiritual practices and perspectives?
5. Reflection on John the Baptist’s Role: How do you relate to John the Baptist’s role in preparing for Jesus’ ministry in your own spiritual journey? What lessons do you draw from his example of readiness and transformation?