Mishpatim
- Rulings
In Exodus we read that God sent His angel to guide and guard the children of
Israel and warned them to obey the angel’s voice (Exodus 23:20-21). Isaiah
gives further explanation regarding this angel: “And the angel of His presence
saved them; In His love and in His mercy, He redeemed them, and He lifted them
and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved His Holy
Spirit; therefore, He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against
them” (Isaiah 63:9-10). In his confrontation with the Council, Stephen said, “You
men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always
resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did…you who
received the law as ordained by angels and yet did not keep it (Acts 7:51-53). I marvel at the continuity of Scripture as
the thread regarding God’s Spirit weaves through it. And the thread continues
today. Yet not only does God’s Spirit continue to guide and guard us – but the resurrection
of Jesus made possible the Spirit of truth to abide within us (John 14:16-17) and
to transform us to become children of God (Romans 8:9-17). Dear Father, how
precious the gift of the Holy Spirit is! We have an advantage over the children
of Israel because Your Spirit dwells in us and is changing our hearts. Thank
You. And thank You for Your precious Son who made this gift possible. May we
not grieve the Holy Spirit by whom we were sealed for the day of redemption
(Ephesians 4:30). Abba! Father! The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit
that we are the children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and
fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be
glorified with Him (Romans 8:15-17).
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