“This is what God the Lord says–the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” (Isaiah 42:5-7 NIV).
The Spirit of the Lord–poured into His Servant (Jesus Christ) and for all who choose to serve Him–this is the promise fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ and is still being fulfilled in those who follow Him and obey the Father. When He returned to heaven, He promised that He would provide us with the Comforter–His Spirit–so we would be able to do all things.
Through the record of events as noted by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we know that Jesus did all that had been prophesied by the prophet Isaiah and what is more notable is–Jesus telling us that we would do greater things than He did because we would have the power of His Spirit to guide us, strengthen us, and teach us.
We know what Jesus did being filled with the Spirit of the Father–but what are we doing–being filled with His Spirit? Has His promise atrophied in those who claim to be filled or do we need to stay before–seeking constant refilling and when we are filled, are we doing the greater works that He said we would do?
If we are filled (not just sealed as some would argue) with Holy Spirit–are we seeking to open blinded eyes, laying hands on the sick so they will recover, interceding on behalf of those in far-away places as well those under our own roof? Are we visiting those in prisons promoting the message of Good News–a Risen Savior has taken upon Himself all of our sins that we might abundant life? Are we the beacons of light that shine brightly, leading those in darkness out of the dungeons of circumstances and oppression?
Before you ask yourself these questions, please think about what being filled with Holy Spirit means versus being sealed by Holy Spirit. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:30, ” And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” To understand the difference between being sealed and being filled–think about the contents of an envelope. We are the envelope–an empty vessel–until we are filled and then sealed. Now, many are filled with various content which is why Paul admonishes us to not be filled with bitterness, anger and slanderous tongues. Once the envelope is sealed–nothing else should be able to get into it, unless it is opened and its content revealed. When we first repent and accept Jesus as our Person Savior, we are sealed against the wiles of the enemy, but when we receive the infilling of Holy Spirit, we are empowered from within to withstand the fiery darts the enemy throws our way.
When we understand that our bodies are the “temple where Holy Spirit resides” we would be careful as to how we treat our bodies–providing Holy Spirit a clean place in which to live so He can clearly communicate with us all we need to know. Choosing to live in sin grieves Holy Spirit and He will leave since He will not dwell in a defiled place. When He leaves, the seal is broken and all that is within us exposed for all to see.
What are you doing with the infilling of Holy Spirit? Are you seeking the lost to bring them to the light of love and has your seal been broken because of the content within you–is not of Holy Spirit?
Looking at the world today–and the number of professing Believers–I’m not sure Holy Spirit is guiding many people and I can tell by the chaos that most of our government leaders do not even Holy Spirit has left the building and there are voids in their hearts that the enemy has filled.
But all is not lost for the Lord promised He would save for Himself–a remnant–the few who will remain faithful and filled, serving Him at all times, and allowing Holy Spirit to direct them. On that remnant–the infilling of Holy Spirit resides within and they will serve The Lord until the day of His returned, completely sealed–immune the tricks of the enemy.
maryhallrayford 