For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:14 NAS95)
Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. I need to pause here just to receive that reminder. Jesus has come to us in the presence of the Holy Spirit, which fulfills His promise, “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you” (Jn. 14:18). Paul knows this well, and writes in Romans what reveals his own experience. Paul wanted to follow Jesus and knew His presence…daily. He lived into that presence and through this verse, he not only reminds us, but invites us to pay attention to God, whose interaction with us enters our awareness ever so subtly. In fact, the Holy Spirit stands out as the key marker in the Christian life, and His presence invites attention, conversation, prayer, communion, and union.
Paul works out the application and encourages us to distinguish the Spirit’s voice. The Spirit converses with us and when we apply His wisdom in life, we demonstrate our sonship. The Spirit’s whispers, indeed Jesus’ interaction with us, appears normal in Paul’s mind. He expected it. The Spirit’s presence and His conversation with us flow from God’s deep love of His children. Just as a parent coos and speaks to his newborn, God does the same with us. As familiarity develops, we learn to hear and respond fearlessly to God’s love that supports, surrounds and speaks so we can enter the fullness of life. Paul uses this verse to invite us to attend, interact and submit to the Spirit’s leadership, which is real and present to us daily. Pentecost. God leading and loving us forward into His Kingdom life and mission. Let’s attend and expect our Father’s interactive presence.
For Reflection:
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalms 143:10 NAS95)
- What level of awareness do you have to the Spirit’s interaction with you throughout the day?
- How are you cultivating a deeper awareness of God’s loving and interactive presence with you?
