Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Danaha: Affirmation of Identity and Mission

Bible Reading: Matthew 3:11-17

Key verse: "And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”- (Matthew 3:17)

DEVOTION

Danaha, meaning “dawn” or “shining forth,” reminds us of the moment when the identity and mission of Jesus were revealed openly at His baptism. Just as the rising sun pushes away the darkness, the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:11–17 marks the spiritual dawn where His divine identity becomes unmistakably clear.
 
In this passage, Jesus steps into the Jordan not because He needs repentance, but because He chooses to identify with humanity. As He rises from the water, three powerful signs appear: the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice affirms Him. This moment reveals who Jesus is: “Beloved Son” and what He is called to do: to bring salvation, light, and hope to the world’.
 
Danaha teaches us that identity comes before mission. Before Jesus begins teaching, healing, or preaching, the Father declares His pleasure over Him. Jesus is not working for affirmation; He is working from affirmation. The same truth applies to us. Our worth does not come from achievements, titles, or the opinions of others. It comes from the God who calls us His own.
 
The descending Spirit also reminds us that mission is never carried out in our own strength. Just as Jesus was anointed for His ministry, we too are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the calling God has placed in our lives: whether in school, home, church, or community.
Danaha encourages us to live confidently: beloved by the Father, filled with the Spirit, and sent with purpose. It is the dawn of our identity and the launch of our mission.


PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing our identity and purpose through Your baptism. Help us live as Your beloved children, empowered by Your Spirit, and faithful to Your mission. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“I rise each day as God’s beloved, empowered to shine His light wherever I go.”

Liji Anish
The Mar Thoma Church, Ottawa, Canada

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