Ever known the basics of something and then later stumble onto something that just takes that knowledge into a deeper and more complex understanding?
It happens to me from time to time. My brain grasps the basics and moves on. Then suddenly, sometimes years later something pops up again and I “get it” in a more complete way.
I think it’s likely that this is especially true for those who serve the Lord. I’ll explain why a little later. For now, just consider how complex the very Word of God is and it makes sense that we wouldn’t completely grasp a concept the first time we uncover it.
Our ladies bible study group just finished up our second book of Life Principles from Women of the bible. I’m a bit behind but that’s okay 🙂
Last week I was reading through a lesson and looking up corresponding scripture and something stood out so strong to me that I wanted to share it.
I was directed to read the first part of Galatians chapter 4 with a focus on the “gift of God”.
Verse 6 is what stood out to me though. Through Jesus we received the adoption of son (and daughters) and because we are sons, God sent the spirit of His son into our hearts crying Abba Father.
We Cry Abba Father
Ever had moments of just yearning for God? Moments where your heart is just lifted up in praise? Moments when something from scripture is made extremely clear?
This would be why. The very spirit of God’s son dwells in us. It’s his spirit that is crying Abba Father and drawing our spirit towards God.
Because the spirit of Christ dwells in us, it is this spirit that directs us, convicts us and draws us time and again to repentance. It is also this spirit that pleads with the father to again forgive his guilty child.
Maybe this isn’t new to you at all. But for me it brought me to a deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy to us.
His spirit in us, doing the impossible
How can a person “do good to those who treat them ill”? How can a person forgive from the heart their tormenter? How can a person plead with God to “lay not this sin to their charge”? (think of Stephen)
This can only be the spirit of God dwelling within that permits these super human actions.
Jesus told us to love our enemies. Something that is not at all within our human nature. Isn’t it amazing that God wouldn’t ask something so out of our nature without giving us the means to obey?
The gift of the Spirit of Christ is truly an example of God’s mercy to us!
Do you ever have “wow God” moments when you are reading through scripture? Times when he reveals a new or deeper truth to you?
Thank you for sharing Kendra. What an excellent post. I recently had a Wow moment when I read a devotion this week. The reading for that day was Psalm 23. Now I have to say I often ignore it because I know it so well and I often associate it with death. The author of the devotion explained how Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep and He provides for our needs. Just like David says “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want”. Honestly it was almost like a ” Oh duh!” moment but I was seeing Psalm 23 completely different. Our Shepherd is with us and being by our side through whatever dark times we are going through. Lord willing I would like to do a blog post on Psalm 23.
Oh I love that “wow God” insight! It’s so easy to just skim over stuff that’s familiar to us and miss out on those little nuggets