Part Three - Story of the Overflowing Spirit
(Barabbas is an old man living in Bethlehem)
(Barabbas is an old man living in Bethlehem)
My
grandson is sitting on the ground looking up at me. I want to impress into his
little mind what Jesus had done for me. My spirit is simply overflowing with
the goodness of God. How much of my story can I tell him? Looking back over my
life is like seeing two different people. The first half of my life as a no-good
robber was just miserable. But the second half as a born again Christian I have
enjoyed like I never thought possible. I never want to let my Savior down. Paul
wrote in the letter; And do not bring
sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way
you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own. 4:30 It is very easy to grieve the Spirit
of Jesus because He is living in me. I pray He will help me now as I explain
what is in my scroll to my grandson.
The
afternoon that Jesus died on the cross for me is literally the most vivid
memory that I have. Why would I ever hurt Him or bring shame to His name? If
there were only some way to tell my little admirer that nothing in this life
compares with a life in Jesus Christ. Paul’s letter talks about this when he
says; Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. 6:18 I know it doesn’t seem like much
when you read it but after experiencing it, you can see it in large letters.
The fact that I talk all day long to the Spirit inside of me sounds a little
odd but it works. This is why I know my grandson Benjamin will understand what
I tell him.
After our
visit, Benjamin gives me a hug and runs after his pet lamb. Looking toward
heaven I begin to think about the new life that Jesus has given me. During the
last few years the friends in my life know very well that I am now a righteous
guy. All these people will vouch for me. Some of them even identify with me
because they were also rescued from a terrible life of one kind or another. I
am sensitive to the Spirit of Jesus and have experienced what Paul wrote about
when he said; For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth 5:9 It took me a while to learn that if I
do not cooperate with the Spirit He cannot produce the righteousness that God
wants to see in my life. I started life without a father but I want to keep
this one who really cares for me.
Thinking
back to my old robber days I remember that drinking was sometimes a problem.
Even if I were sober, which was seldom, it was still very difficult to convince
my helpers to keep control of themselves. You see it is usually easy for the
law to catch drunks because our decisions are faulty. I only mention this
because I understand why Paul said; Don’t be drunk with wine, because
that will ruin your life. Instead, be
filled with the Holy Spirit. 5:18 Everything is about who or what controls our life. It is
obvious that when we give our life to Jesus his Spirit should be in control.
Drink is not the only thing that robs us of a dedicated life. Avoid anything
that wants to rule your life.
There is a
Shepherd bringing his sheep in for the night and I think of the freedom that he
enjoys. I have spiritual freedom in my life because of the power of the Spirit
in my daily life. Some people ask how to do this. I simply ask for God to lead
me and I quit trying to help. The Spirit suggests the actions I should follow and
I do exactly what He advises. If you are thinking this will take a totally new
and different attitude you are right. I am continually learning about this new
life from my copy of the letter. Paul recommends that we; Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God. 6:17 I stand up and lift my scroll over head. I
know that this sword will carry me to victory until my time comes to an
end.
I am aware
that some of you do not want to believe that I was ever saved at all. But if my
name Barabbas bothers you then just take it out and replace it with your own.
Don’t tell me you would not like to be the child of our God and Almighty
Father.
THE
END
No comments:
Post a Comment