Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Isaiah 44:3-4 "For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring; They will spring up among the grass Like willows by the watercourses."
THE HOLY SPIRIT CONTINUES TO DISTRIBUTE GOD'S GRACE (II)
When the nation of Judah faced the Babylonian captivity, it was not the only time of crisis for God's people. There have been other times in church history when things looked bleak, and then the Lord turned things around. On the day of Pentecost when the enemies of Christ thought that they had the upper hand, and the disciples were hiding themselves for fear of their enemies, God poured out His Spirit with tremendous results. The world changed as the Gospel of Christ swept throughout the world like wildfire. Instead of being on the defensive, the apostles went on the offensive taking the battle for Christ out into enemy territory.
Some 1500 years later when the light of truth was nearly extinguished, God brought forth the Reformation. Some 300 years after when Europe was mixed up in Pietism and the truth was once again nearly lost, He opened up the doors to America. Now as His Word finds rejection in the United States, He finds other avenues in Asia. Time and time again God pulls His people back from the brink, raises up Elishas to replace Elijahs, and He has raised up another generation of Christians that are being sent out into the world of darkness daily.
We may have the confidence that the Holy Spirit is at work again today. Some might say that their congregation and synod will be in trouble as its founding fathers are called home. But our group is not dependent on people. It never has been and never will be. It is dependent upon the Holy Spirit. As we have those who are called home into the Church triumphant, we have young people who are being called into the ranks of the Church militant to take up the fight against darkness. Some will fall. The enemies that we face are no different. But in times past when things look bleakest, God has poured out His Holy Spirit. There is no reason that we cannot expect that grace to continue. So you young people who are entering the fray, don't be afraid. The Holy Spirit is with you. Older folks (you can define you who you are), don't be afraid because the Holy Spirit will be with this generation as He was with you.
