He Shall ReignSample

Often, in the Word, we encounter foreshadowing, a hint about something that is to come. When Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, it’s very important to note! The Holy Spirit didn’t dwell with people yet the way that He does now, but Elizabeth and Mary were experiencing the power and joy the presence of the Spirit brings at that very moment. This actually tells us a little bit about how Jesus and John the Baptist's lives would bring the Holy Spirit to all believers through faith in Jesus. The moment that Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, she was filled with the Spirit and knew what almost no one else knew: the Savior was near. The Holy Spirit brings an awareness to us about the power of Christ, convicting us where our will draws us to other ways and calling us back towards the Savior. It was this same Spirit that Jesus would later begin His ministry with (Isaiah 61) and promise to future believers after His resurrection (John 15:26). Jesus' reign would not end at His death and resurrection; the goodness of God would stay present with future believers through the Spirit He sent. This very same Spirit that Jesus declared was with Him so that He could “bind up the brokenhearted” and declare “freedom for captives” lives in each of us as believers. So what will you do with the message of the gospel and the presence of the Spirit? How will you carry the hope you’ve been given and share it with others? There is wisdom and comfort through the Spirit that our world desperately needs. Let’s be the people He intended us to be and walk with our hearts and minds attentive to where the Spirit is leading. APPLICATION: Identify any areas in your life where you know that your will and not the Spirit are guiding your actions. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you this awareness so you have the wisdom to make the changes you need to today. Pray this wouldn’t just resonate in your heart and mind today, but that you would be moved to make a permanent change in your daily life.