BY HIS SPIRIT

Monday – September 26, 2022

Posted

“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.’” – Zechariah 4:6

In his book “Union With Christ”, author Rankin Wilbourne writes: “I recently taught my son Jack how to ride a bicycle. He was terrified. At first, he kept turning around to make sure that I was right there beside him. But you can’t move forward if you are always anxiously checking behind you. When Jack was able to hear my voice, “I’ve got you. I’ve got you,” and he could trust that I was right there, then he was able to move forward in confidence. Dad’s got me!

One of the reasons why holiness is so scary or unattractive for us is that we see it as a bar we can never reach or yet another thing we’ve failed to do. We do fail. We fall. And when we do, we fear that God is disappointed in us and that he is scowling. So we want to pull away from him and hide.

How can you remember Dad’s got me? What reminds you that he is right there with you? That his affection for you does not change when you “fall off your bike” – if anything, it grows warmer as he rushes to you in compassion?

Well, why did I want Jack to learn how to ride his bike? Not only so he can one day deliver newspapers and start paying rent, but also so he can know the joy of feeling the wind in his hair and so we can ride our bikes together. His little legs can’t keep up with me when we walk or run, but on wheels, my son and I can experience more life together and enjoy each other’s company. We can ride to the ocean.

God wants us to grow in holiness, not as some sort of test or punishment, not even as just as preparation for the future, but because he wants us to enjoy life with him more. The more we grow in holiness, the more we can enjoy his presence. He wants us not simply to press on but to soar. He wants holiness for us, for our joy. Now my child can ride with me.”

The Spirit of our Lord is living and active in our world. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His Holy Spirit and seek to follow Christ in all that you do.

“There is no better evangelist in the world than the Holy Spirit.” – Dwight L. Moody

God’s Word: “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 1:5