April 05, 2019: SOAP #3410:  Ruth 1-2; Psalm 53, 61; 2Corinthians 5

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 5:2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.  (KJV: …who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.)

Observation:   The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is like earnest money we give when we enter into an agreement to buy a house.  It is a small percentage of the purchase price that guarantees the remainder will soon be paid.

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit.  And when the Holy Spirit began His ministry on earth, He is a promise of even more to come!  If the Holy Spirit is the earnest, it is impossible to imagine what the fullness will be!

Application:    The joy, the peace, the impartation of wisdom, the revelation of understanding the Word, the power in living, the revelation of knowledge, the faith, the miracles—all is because of the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.  But even more amazing—this is the promise I have been given—there is even more to come!

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, You are amazing!  You came as a fulfillment of the promise Jesus gave to us.  And you have come as a promise that even more is in store.  I cannot begin to imagine what eternal life in heaven will be like!  It is going to be good!!! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!