Tag: kingdom appetizer

1 Samuel 25-26

Psalm 51

Romans 8

-Devotion by Sarah Johnson (MN)

Romans 8 is truly a big chapter when I consider all of Paul’s letters… there are so many amazing ideas, reminders, and encouragements within these verses.  I encourage you to read this chapter more than just once to see what stands out to you each time through.

Woven throughout this whole chapter is the impact and role the Holy Spirit has in the life of a Christian.  This gift is one that brings life, sonship, righteousness, advocacy, and victory.  It makes sense why David is practically begging God to not remove it (Psalm 51:11) when he is caught in sin with Bathsheba!

In David’s example from Psalm 51, we are reminded of the contrast to Spirit-living: living in the realm of the flesh, which leads to death.  In this instance, though the death was not his own, David’s acting on his sin did lead to the death of Uriah as well as his son who was conceived in sin.  Not only that, but you have the heartbreak Bathsheba must have been experiencing by being taken advantage of, losing her husband, and her baby.  And yet in all of this, David writes “Against you, you only, have I sinned…” (v.4).  He understood the magnitude of his actions that caused him to be drawn away, into the realm of the flesh, which is full of death.  

At times, I think we can forget about the power we have access to that connects us deeply with God and His Son.  Sometimes, as non-trinitarians, I find we even tend to shy away from discussing the Holy Spirit.  But when we do, I fear we truly miss out on one of the greatest gifts we have access to in this lifetime!  Obviously, Jesus’ death and resurrection that bring about eternal life is truly the greatest gift.  But that is a promised gift – something we will experience and reap when Jesus returns.  The Holy Spirit is the gift we can use right NOW, a taste of what is to come…an appetizer to the Kingdom if you will. 🙂

Unfortunately for David, he did not have the bigger picture we have today to keep him going during times of struggle.  He knew of a coming Messiah, but did not know who, or when, or how.  As modern-day Christians, we have so many advantages we must remember and utilize.  One of those advantages is access to the Scriptures.  We are so fortunate to know of the final verses in Romans 8:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reflection Questions:

1. There are many benefits we gain when we access the Holy Spirit, and those benefits are part of what make us so unique as Christians.  Think about your own life, have there been moments where you have experienced a supernatural peace, joy, or patience?  Have you been called to move in a way that brought about a significant change?  Have you been at a time so challenging in your life you couldn’t imagine taking another step, and yet found strength to carry on?  All of these are moments where the Holy Spirit may be interceding in your life.  
2. What would you add as a reminder to yourself to Paul’s list of things that cannot separate you from God’s love?
3. What other verses or key concepts stood out to you today from our reading?

Prayer:

Dear God, I praise You for Your incredible love and mercy. Thank you for the incredible gifts of Your Son and coming eternal life and thank You for Your presence and Your Spirit. Help me live daily in Your Spirit!