Wow! That's Crazy!

Daily Selah is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.

Wednesday evenings are usually a bit hectic for my family as we hurry to get to church. Because of my work schedule, there's no time to cook dinner. Thankfully, my children are old enough to grab something to eat before I get home to rush them out the door and drive to church. 

Sometimes we are just a few minutes late but last night we arrived right on time. The boys headed off to youth group and I went into the sanctuary for the adult Bible study. 

I sat behind some people I'd never seen before. They shared with me after church that they were just travelling through the area. They were 2 sisters and a brother (probably in their late 20s to early 30s) who had driven a few hours to check on their mother who had been very ill. Other than that, I know little about them but got the impression they are fairly new believers. 

It's interesting how the Lord can use different people and different situations to teach us something when we least expect it. 

As Pastor was speaking on the work of the Holy Spirit to convict, I happened to noticed the young man in front of me absorbing every word. Pastor went on to say that without the law, we wouldn't know that we had sinned. It was almost as if a light bulb went off in this young man's mind. You could see from his expression that the Holy Spirit was bringing understanding to his heart.  

Then Pastor said that if Jesus hadn't fulfilled the law He couldn't have become our righteousness (1 Cor 1:30). And, it was because He became our righteousness and went back to the Father that He was able to send the Holy Spirit. (There were more details to explain that connection but I'm paraphrasing here.)

People who have been around church for a while might say something like, "Amen!" or, "That's right!" or, "Preach it!" when they want to agree with the preacher. 

Not the guy in front of me. He yells, "Wow! That's crazy!" 

It was obvious his intent was not disrespect but more like awe and amazement and praise all rolled into one outburst.

His response reminded me of Jesus' promise about another aspect of the work of the Holy Spirit.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. - John 14:26

"He shall teach you all things..."  Think for a moment about what you know of the Lord and His Word. Whatever understanding you and I have of grace, mercy and salvation and of the love and character of God and of who we are in Christ, that understanding was brought to our hearts and minds by the Holy Spirit. 

The Bible is very clear that it weren't for the Holy Spirit's work, we would never know God, never be forgiven, never be saved and never inherit eternal life. Yet, surprisingly, some Christians shy away from the Holy Spirit and from teaching about Him.

Our response should be more like awe and amazement and praise all rolled into one outburst:

                     

              "Wow! That's crazy!"

Father, then You for giving us the law so we would know we are sinners in need of a Savior. Thank You for sending Your Son to fulfill the law and to atone for our sins. Thank You for the Holy spirit who opens our eyes to see You at work, opens our ears to hear Your truth and opens our hearts to receive Your love and enable us to love You in return. You are an awesome God and we stand in awe of You. We are amazed by You and praise You for who You are and what You have done for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.