Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized [immersed] you with water, but He will baptize [immerse] you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1:6-8 NKJV, amplified)
And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." So he said, "You have asked a hard thing." (2 Kings 2:9-10 NKJV)
"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required ... I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! ... Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division." (Luke 12:48-49,51 NKJV)
The Christian life is a big, wonderful praise party—in heaven. In this world, we have praise parties punctuated by tribulation, trials, trouble, temptation. In Jesus, we also have peace, and the promise that we will not be tried beyond our ability.
Of course, with increased ability we can also expect increased tribulation, trials, trouble, temptation. An anointing of the Spirit brings the fire's touch; an immersion with the Spirit brings us to the furnace of refinement for purity. Yet however searing the heat, we can be confident that in Christ, it is never beyond our ability to stand.
The Holy Spirit is the seal of eternal life—and a hard thing. The more we yield to the Spirit, the more fully He fills us, and the more He asks of us. And the more He fills us yet again. The valleys wouldn't be so deep if the mountain tops weren't so high.
Lord Jesus, thank You for not leaving us orphans. Thank You for promising to never forsake us—as You were forsaken for our sin. Thank You for promising that we can do all things through You and Your strength. Enable us to yield to and receive Your Spirit ever more fully.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Anne, your entry is beautifully worded! CS Lewis talks about *the work of heaven* that the things we squeeze in now -- song, dancing, praise -- are the bread and butter of activities there. In this world it's difficult to open yourself to change, and change more -- but the best way.
ReplyDelete