God's Holy Fire: 'The Chosen One of God'

Saturday, August 9, 2025

[John the Baptizer continued,] "I didn't know [Jesus] was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God."

Key Thought

John doesn't claim that he has any special knowledge of Jesus' identity because of insider information as a cousin of Jesus. No, John's recognition was based on the revelation from God and the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God's Chosen One, and a key part of Jesus' role as the Chosen One is baptizing people with the Holy Spirit. Jesus' identity, ministry, and message are all tied to the work of the Holy Spirit! We can't follow Jesus without a deep appreciation and recognition of the vital role the Spirit plays in Jesus' life as well as our own!

Today's Prayer

Gracious God, the Almighty, who has chosen to dwell in my heart through your Holy Spirit, thank you for revealing yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Be at work in my life through the Spirit. Purify my heart, transform my mind, and empower my actions so that I will honor you and help others know your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:33-34 NLT — "I didn't know [Jesus] was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, August 9, 2025

A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"While Paul was waiting for [Silas and Timothy to rejoin him now that he was] in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in...."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"Some Pharisees came and tried to trap [Jesus] with this question: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?""
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.