On the Job

(Rom 8:26 KJV)  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

(Proverbs 31 also read)

A month ago I wrote about our need to be heard and God’s willingness to listen.  That brought to mind this passage that encourages us to express ourselves and to rest in the conviction that God is also helping us with what we want and need to say.

One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to help us express the inexpressible.  Remember that on some level all Christians have the Holy Spirit.  He is not passive.  He in involved in all aspects of our lives.  Here it seems to me He is working to give us the release we need by knowing that our heart has been expressed.

So?  Rejoice.  You are heard even if you yourself are a bit confused and conflicted. 

Go Ahead, Sit Down

(Rom 8:15 KJV)  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

(Proverbs 17 also read)

I had to use the concordance.  I knew this verse because I could quote it, but I could not give the source.  My thoughts began on the wonder of our relationship with God.  For some it is real.  For others it is potential.  Like the situation I was in, the reality is there even if I don’t know the address.  

Think of all the resources available if we are trying to find a good study chair.  We have everything from the recommendation of a friend to a hundred listings after a search.  In my world none of those are enough to purchase.  I need to sit in the chair to see if it fits.  I find it is the same way with spiritual issues.  There are lots of sources for information but ultimately we have to get involved personally.

So?  Do your research but don’t take too long.  God is waiting. 

A Redeemer Reminder

(Pro 23:11 KJV)  For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

It is easy to breeze over this verse but pause a moment to think about the concept of “redeemer” (1350).  Today I am thinking of how this is expanded and explained in the New Testament.  Think of the job description of Jesus.  We think of Him as our redeemer.  That goes beyond His death on the cross.  It goes to that part of the Apostles creed that mentions how He sits at the right hand of God the Father.

(Rom 8:34 KJV)  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

We also see the idea referring to the Holy Spirit.

(Joh 16:7 KJV)  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Here the Greek word for “comforter” has the idea included of advocate.

So?  One of the things that we tend to forget is that God has promised to be with us all along the way.  People may mess with us.  Satan may attack.  The economy may fall apart and they may again start arresting Christians.  He will be with us.

Vassal Vessels

(Proverbs 25:4 KJV)  Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

When I see the word “vessel” (3627) in this context I think of the finished product of the smith, so this does not seem to make sense.  Then I think of a vessel being a means of reaching a destination and it comes together.  Even a cup is a vessel for moving liquid from one place to another or for holding ingredients.  The pure silver is the means, or medium, which the smith uses to reach his goal.  The choice of goals will depend on the composition and purity of the material to be used.

We are vessels of God because we are made for a purpose.  We are vessels who are vassals.  We are not trophy cups sitting on a shelf, we are Tupperware carrying lunch for a real need.  We are not trophy wives, we are servants and ambassadors.  A verse comes to mind.

(Romans 8:28 KJV)  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

We are vessels for His purpose.

So?  You were redeemed for a purpose.  Keep your eyes open for the part you are playing in salvation history. 

The Image of Lego

(Romans 8:15 KJV) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

How can we assume the arrogance to consider ourselves children of God? Because He created us and adopted us. As I comprehend eternity I think of the sovereignty of God and all the “omni’s” that go along with Him. I anticipate an infinite number of “aha’s” and “eureka’s” as I grow and learn. At the same time because I am created in His image there is a way in which I fit in naturally.

Picture a universe filled with Legos. An infinite number of pieces that can be fit together in a mind boggling number of ways. I am one little Lego. I am nothing compared to the whole, but because I am made in the image of Lego, I can fit comfortably together with any other piece in the set. If I can comprehend it with man-made toys, why should it be hard to accept it of an infinite God?