Blog #29 for October 11
In the last blog I mentioned that sin constantly frustrates God’s plan for this earth,
but he doesn’t give up on us.
God’s prescription for the rebelliousness, self-service and confusion of people is his Holy Spirit. Isaiah predicted this Spirit will be “poured upon us from on high and the wilderness [would] become a fruitful field,…justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field, and the effect of righteousness will be peace and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.”
Since sin still runs rampant in our world today, we do not yet see the complete fulfillment of this prophecy. But for those who believe in Jesus Christ, who follow in his way, the Holy Spirit is given to us from on high, and helps us to become fruitful, just, and righteous. He was first “poured out” upon the disciples 50 days after Christ’s resurrection, on the day we call Pentecost. (Acts 2). Today, we receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Christ, when we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, (Acts 2:38, Luke11:13). Those who have truly yielded their lives to the Holy Spirit of their covenant Lord, will dwell in peace.
The Apostle Paul says, “The law of the Spirit of life set me free from sin and death….the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace…if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ,” (Rom.8:2, 6b,9b NIV).
God is a gracious Father and his best gift is the Holy Spirit of Jesus.
“So now, just as Isaiah had promised, the Messiah, through the Holy Spirit he has given, makes it possible for Christians to live a life of true nobility—one of generosity and self-giving, one of justice and righteousness, one that the uncertainties of existence cannot ultimately disrupt. There are inner resources with which to meet everything that comes to us and to triumph over them,” (Oswalt, 370)
We pray with Isaiah (33:2) that God will be gracious, will be our strength and our salvation.
God loves to grant those requests. He has a rich treasure stored up for us, salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The key to open up this stored treasure is the fear of the Lord. When people finally acknowledge God is the Lord and give him reverent obedience, they find this treasure available.
Other verses that shed light on this truth are:
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” (Matt.6:33).
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast,” (Eph. 2:8 & 9)
Judith Vander Wege
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