Lord Jesus, yesterday, Christians around the world celebrated Pentecost—the day the promised Holy Spirit was poured out on the young church in Jerusalem (Acts 2). Thankfully, the Spirit’s work continues, and how we need him.
By your Spirit, we discovered our great need, your incomparable glory, and the Gospel’s total sufficiency to save us. The Spirit is the “down-payment” and firstfruits of our final redemption (Eph. 1:14-16)—the unbreakable guarantee one Day we will be completely like you (1 John 3:1-3).
By the Spirit, you sealed us as your beloved, never-to-be-rejected Bride. He is the “engagement ring” wrapped around our hearts—the sign and security of our marriage to you. A Wedding Feast, not Judgment Day, awaits us. Hallelujah!
The Holy Spirit permanently indwells us, constantly tells us we are Abba’s guiltless, condemnation-free, unwaveringly loved children. Turn the volume of his voice up real loud! He prays inside of us what we’d pray for ourselves if we knew the Father the way he does (Rom. 8:26-27). What peace this gives us. Speaking of peace, it’s the Spirit’s delight to grow this bit of fruit, and all the others, inside of us and among us (Gal. 5:22-23).
Lord Jesus, fill us to overflowing with God the Holy Spirit. May a fresh passion for your glory and Kingdom, and a love for our neighbors and the nations, seize us and shape how we live until you return. So very Amen we pray, in your exalted and loving name.
