December 3rd
Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Bank tellers and others who handle money are trained to tell the difference between real currency and counterfeit. The real stuff has markings imbedded in between the fibers of the bills that can be seen when one knows what to look for.
Real. Genuine. Authentic.
The third gift is found in Ephesians Chapter 1: 13-14 (NIV):
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
What a gift! To be sealed in Him by the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to be sealed in God by the Holy Spirit? Think of a letter or edict in the days of Paul. It was common that a king would write a letter on animal skin parchment, roll it up, and then dip his royal signet ring into hot wax and then press the wax onto the parchment, sealing the letter, assuring that if anyone opened the letter they would crack the seal. It made the letter authentic. It was certified as coming from the king.
So what happens when God seals you with the Holy Spirit? It makes you authentic. It certifies that you are from God. And that you are protected by God. Whoa! And you, your life, as God has chosen you, are to be read by others as someone who is “of God.” That is a pretty big responsibility, isn’t it? But, if you are sealed by the Holy Spirit, and are walking in the ways God calls us to walk, you reflect God naturally.
Recall that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to his followers in John 16:13 (NIV): “But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the Truth. For He will not speak His own message; but He will tell whatever He hears and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come. He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of what is Mine and will reveal it to you.”
So, the Holy Spirit is leading you into truth… you are reflecting that truth to others… you are sealed… and that seal, verse 14, “is a pledge of our inheritance.” It’s a promise from the King! We are His children. We will spend all eternity with the King. More appropriately, we ARE SPENDING all eternity with the King. He promised it. He sealed it. It’s done. What a gift!
Open your hands and receive this gift today, the gift of being sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Thank you God, for the gift of being sealed with your Holy Spirit. We are your authentic children who represent the King of Kings. Protect us and let us reflect You today in all we are and all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(c) 2011 Rich Ronald
RichRonald.com 