Scripture

“In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13

Reflections

At what point does the Holy Spirit become a part of your life?

It begins with the Word.  The living Word of truth is Jesus Christ, God’s message to humanity.  He wants us to know his love for us, a love that knows no end.  He lived it in Jesus.  He wants us to join him in being his loving presence in this world.

Believing that the Word came in the form of baby Jesus really stretches one’s mind.  Still, people hear the Word of God’s love in Jesus.  They trust in it.  The word “believe” in the Bible is much more than head knowledge, more than just believing there is a God.  It is to trust one’s whole life to God.  That will shape every aspect of a person’s life.

Here we recognize the work of the Holy Spirit.  Faith comes as a gift of the Holy Spirit.  In the words of Paul, once we believe (trust) in him, we are “marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.”  From that moment, the Holy Spirit becomes a powerful part of our lives.

As Luther wrote in the Small Catechism, “I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him.  But the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel.”

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your Word made flesh, Jesus.  Help me to trust in you and open my life to the work of your Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14