We need what Jesus needed. We need to know that our father loves us and is pleased with us. We need to know this. It’s not an “add on” it’s a need. Without this each of us is stuck in “being loved for what we do rather than being loved because we simply are”. And this kind of love always leaves us feeling not good enough. It’s debilitating.
Jesus’ “baptism of the Holy Spirit” was inseparable from being affirmed by His Father in Heaven.
The “baptism (immersion in) the Holy Spirit” is inseparably connected to knowing that God loves you, no matter what, no matter how horrible you are or have ever been. Nor will he love you more even if you win a Nobel prize, the super bowl, and Pulitzer.
However there’s more. It’s fascinating that Mark records the Holy Spirit driving Jesus into the desert to be tempted and tested. Why? There are several reasons I think, but perhaps the biggest one is that God wants you to know that wherever you are, whatever happens to you, God in Christ experienced in the Holy Spirit is all you ever need.
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