The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
The Spirit of God was Jesus’ promise when He left the earth. He promised that the same Spirit that was with Him (Luke 4:18-21) would be with us. He said that knowing my limitations and weaknesses. Jesus said that knowing how unworthy I was to receive such a gift. And I claim that promise.
As I have been called to “Go and make disciples†(Matthew 28:19) it also means that I am to deliver the Gospel, the Good News, to those who are poor, who do not ‘own’ that Good News.
There are people sitting in the pew, have been sitting there for 20-30 years, and do not have that assurance of the extraordinary love from the Father. That love, that gift, is personal and eternal. God’s love is so immeasurable that it was big enough to redeem us and make it possible for us to go into God’s throne room and have a ‘sit down talk’ with the Creator of the universe. The width and height of God’s love is something that I will continue to ‘see’ new levels every single day!!! (Ephesians 3:14-21) When you spend time with Someone, quality time when you let them speak and you listen, you get to know that Someone and you also learn to trust that Someone. Hmmmm.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)
This part of the psalm goes on to say “What can mortal man do to me?†What indeed! Paul reminds me that when God is with me – no one else is really against me (Romans 8:31) because they are nothing compared to the One in Whom I have believed! They have no ultimate power over me. Their words can find no home inside of me unless I give permission. Their opinion counts not a whit!!! I am the child of the Creator! I am loved. I am precious to God. That means I am cherished and of great value to Him. I am respected by Him. If I think no one else respects me…God does.
Oh my brothers and sisters, let us spend time today in these words of God. Let us allow them to marinate into our spirit, our heart, so that the roots go down deep. Let us soak up God’s love. Do we deserve it? No. Duh. But God is our Father and He gives to His children like the perfect Father, without reservation and without conditions. He just gives His love. How sweet it is!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NIV, my emphasis)
