As we’ve been learning about the Holy Spirit in our Small Group for the past weeks, it’s interesting to read Paul’s letter through these fresh eyes. Paul is writing, but it is the Holy Spirit guiding him.

So right from the start, we don’t just see Paul introducing himself – we see the Holy Spirit affirming Paul’s identity as an apostle of Christ. We don’t just see Paul praising God, we see the Holy Spirit bringing glory to the Father and to the Son – just as Jesus said He would. And so forth : )

Lots of “him” pronouns here, it will be an interesting activity to figure out which person of God each pronoun is referring to. (Although really, with the nature of the Trinity, it’s basically interchangeable.) For example, I don’t know if this is right:

“In him (Father) we have redemption through his (Jesus) blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his (Father) grace, which he (Father) lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his (Father) will, according to his (Father) purpose, which he (Father) set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him (Jesus, I think), things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV)

It goes on. The mystery of the Trinity – hope I will get to understand more.

The revelation of God through the Holy Spirit, is Paul’s prayer because just by understanding the heart of God toward us will give us great hope, will give us strength. If only we understand!

“These also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed by wine, they stagger with strong drink, they reel in vision, they stumble in giving judgment.”
(Isaiah 28:7 ESV)

Staggering, Reeling (Disoriented, Lose Balance), Stumbling – these are not words I want to be used to describe me. Even a moment of blurred vision or unclear judgement will have long term consequences. Be careful.

Then it get’s really cryptic / prophetic from here on. I know this somehow refers to Jesus (as the cornerstone, the sure foundation), but there are other things in here I’m sure. I wonder if I should have a serious look / study on Isaiah and prophecies? Mostly I’m interested in fulfilled prophecies, because I know that glorifies God and strengthens our faith for prophecy yet to be fulfilled.

Interesting last part!
“For he is rightly instructed; his God teaches him….This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.”
(Isaiah 28:26, 29 ESV)

The passage talks about how a farmer knows how to farm. This knowledge, and the wisdom on how to farm optimally, comes from God! Does God know computer programming, project management, sales processes and techniques, operating a business? Yes! Of course! He is able to give me counsel on these things : )

As with Chapter 21, priests need to live under strict conditions in order to be able to minister between God and man.

Offerings need to the be the firstborn, without blemish, for it to be acceptable. The conditions and the process needs to be perfect as well. Is God being unreasonable? Perhaps. But because of God’s perfect nature, this is the only way.

Clean and unclean – this is clear from the beginning. You cannot make an unclean thing clean by adding something clean to it. On the other hand, a clean thing becomes unclean when something unclean is added to it. Same with perfect and imperfect. Perfect + Imperfect is Imperfect.

To make something clean, there needs to be a sacrifice of blood from a clean thing. And 2000 years ago, the ultimate sacrifice as made.

1. Everyone needs a savior

I think everyone, even at least once in their lives, has experienced or will experience some great tragedy, pain, sadness, discouragement, or sorrow. It could be a one time event or could be a prevalent situation. Whatever it is, it’s something really bad – the lowest of the low – that they can no longer help themselves, they will need a savior. People who know God, or at least know about God, will call to Him – and will get to experience His great saving power. People who don’t will trust man, or man-made ideologies. In the end, I believe, everyone will know the truth.

2. Give credit where credit is due

Nobody likes to help an ungrateful person. Or someone who brags about something he did not do. Have you met someone like that? Annoying, right? How many times are we, as Christians, like that with God? God has created us, redeemed us and blesses us daily. Give Him credit, not just privately in your prayers, but also publicly! The world needs to know His goodness, and mercy, and grace and power.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1 ESV)

Now read that again slowly. Anyone. Any transgression. You. Should. Restore. Spirit of Gentleness. Keep watch.

May we be faithful in doing our part in the restoration of our brothers and sisters to God – as led first by example by Jesus, then through the Holy Spirit in us.

Verse 2 continues this thought with “bear one another’s burdens” – as this fulfills the law of Christ that we love one another.

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:7-9 ESV)

We reap what we sow. In due time. Don’t give up!