The Bible explains to us that we are dealing with a holy and sovereign God. He is in charge of the universe. He is all powerful and all knowing. Tragically, most people don’t have this cosmic view of God. Their world view indicates they don’t fear God, they don’t need God, and they don’t make room for God.
Jesus makes known to us the reality of the living God. Life and death are at His fingertips. If we are going to fear someone or something, it really ought to be God. Yet, almost before Jesus explains this to His disciples, He turns the discussion toward grace. The God who could write us off and be justified in doing so, tells us that we are valued in His sight. Our God doesn’t write people off; He invites them into His kingdom, His life, His love. God works in such a way that He invites us to a place where He can say, “Do not fear” (vs. 7). It seems that all throughout Scripture God is saying, “Do not fear.”
God has given us the greatest gift that can be given – Himself. He calls us into His life so that we can live and move and have our being from within the safe place of grace and mercy and love. He calls us to a way of being that is transforming, renewing and energizing, the place of forgiveness and new beginnings and hope. Many people do not understand this about God, but those who have been embraced by His grace sure do. Followers of Jesus live in a world blinded to grace, and in that world they are privileged to share the story of Jesus and to witness to what it means to have life in the very life of God.
For these reasons God has given His Church the Holy Spirit who is present in the lives of God’s people to enable them to testify to God’s “good and acceptable and perfect” will (see Romans 12:2). The world needs a Savior and it has one. The Holy Spirit fills the life of Jesus’ people with a power that enables them to be a fragrant aroma of Christ wherever they are. When they know don’t how to share God’s truth, the Holy Spirit teaches them. When they fall short in their ability to witness about the living Christ, the Holy Spirit teaches them. Perhaps this is why we sing songs like,
Come, Holy Spirit, I need you;
Come, sweet Spirit, I pray
Come in your strength and your power;
Come in your own gentle way
Come like a spring in the desert;
Come to the withered of soul
Lord, let your sweet healing power;
Touch me and make me whole.
Heritage Singers, 1973
A Prayer:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. (Augustine, 4th century)
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