Checking Myself
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 3 and Psalm 7:6-9 (NIV)
(Judy Tan from Worship and Music Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 3 and Psalm 7:6-9 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Matthew 3, John the Baptist reminds me that the kingdom of heaven is near, and his ministry focus is to call all to repent as he “prepare[s] the way for the Lord”.
As John calls the many to repentance, urging them to “make straight paths for Him,” he warned the Pharisees and Sadducees that true repentance is not merely outward acts or their being descendants of Abraham , but a transformation from within that leads to “fruit in keeping with repentance”. He further cautioned that “every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire”.
My second observation is that the fulfilment of all righteousness was demonstrated in John’s full trust in and obedience to Jesus. John the Baptist considered himself not worthy to carry his Master’s sandals, let alone to baptise Him in water. However, he conceded to baptise Jesus when Jesus told him that for that moment, it had to be done to fulfil all righteousness (v15). In obedience, John then witnessed the divine plan as the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus, and the Father proclaimed the identity of Jesus as the Son of God.
APPLY:
Through Jesus’ baptism in water, He took this step to identify with fallen and sinful man as an act of humility. His baptism foreshadowed His crucifixion, when He took on the sin of man and bore it as His own. Though He was sinless, He was willing to be misunderstood and crucified to identify with me, my sins, and my fallen nature. He took my sins upon Himself. Because Jesus has atoned for my sins, I am free in Him.
DO:
I am called to love Jesus and respond to Him with conviction. This leads me to reflect on how I can apply this message to my life:
- I must check myself for true repentance, not only verbal confession, to be right with Jesus and open to being transformed; am I bearing fruit?
- “The kingdom of heaven is near” adds a dimension of urgency for me to also share the message of Jesus, and to call for confession and true repentance of sins amongst those I serve.
- Just as John the Baptist trusted and obeyed Jesus’ instructions, I am prompted to also do so in order that God’s plans will be fulfilled.
- I will resume my discipline of examen at the end of each day, to reflect, go to God, and commune with Him to be renewed daily.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your message in Matthew 3. Help me to cherish Your love. Your Kingdom of heaven is near; help me be right with You and make my paths straight for You. By Your Spirit, lead me Lord, to respond to Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
