LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 22
John 20:19-22
Galatians 4:4-6

Thy testimonies are wonderful!

THE SPIRIT INDWELLING (II)

Unusual interest surrounds the “Shroud of Turin” supposedly used by our Lord at His burial. The Church of Rome makes much capital out of such relics and “holy articles.” The Shroud if “certified authentic” would be another lucrative addition to their mercenary collection. Men in their superstition would embrace anything left by their departed Saviour, but He left no such things, neither did He ever bless any such things for religious devotion. To do so is idolatry.

But one thing He did before His departure. He made this promise: “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever… I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16, 18). The Saviour understood the disciples’ need for strength, direction and comfort. He knew their weakness and their dependence on Him. He loved them and knew full well that they could not do without Him. As He had said, “… without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Hence, His provision of a “parting gift.”

“I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you and I will dwell in you.” Herein is His promise and assurance. Herein too is every believer’s heritage. If you are a believer, a true follower of Jesus, He dwells in you by His Spirit. Every believer is His temple or dwelling-place. “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Gal 4:6). Observe carefully where the Spirit is said to dwell: in your hearts.

The Spirit inspires us to cry “Abba, Father.” And be that cry ever so faint, it is the breath of the indwelling Spirit, and meets a response from the heart of God. What a wonderful Saviour to have, not in crucifixes, not in rosaries or any man-made “holy article,” but He lives in the hearts of His own.

THOUGHT: “He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me, Along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.” (Alfred Ackley)
PRAYER: Lord, may Thy Holy Spirit, live in me. Amen.