“…Whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak: for it is not you that speak, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11
Dear Ones:
There is a big difference between that which we wear, and our flesh. Clothes are essential for meeting basic needs. However, they are often changed, washed, or thrown away when worn out. One thing is certain about them; they are NOT what we are. They might reflect something of how we think, but they are in a very real way, superficial and above all, not living. However, our flesh, or physical being, in what Paul calls, a “tent,” is that in which we live. It is living, although “passing away,” as it ages. It also changes with respect to the effects of the fallen world upon it. (I speak of disease, and other destructive forces) And yet, it is through this “body,” or flesh, that the glory of God is revealed by the Spirit. This was the case with the Lord Jesus, and it is the same for us today. The question then arises, “Do we believe God to work in and through us?” “Do we truly believe Him to be real to us?”
In Mark’s gospel, chapter 13, we have presented to us a picture of the last days, a time when the gospel is being spread throughout the world. It is also a time of persecution of those who would believe in Christ. Some of these believers will be brought before rulers, kings, and religious authorities, to give an answer, concerning their faith in Christ. The Lord Jesus then declares that in that hour, the Father will give them what they need to say, BY the Holy Spirit. He will instruct them, “…speak…for it is not you that speak, but the Holy Spirit.” What does this reveal to us? It declares that Christ is NOT dealing with “clothing” here, that which is superficial. He is dealing with the heart, by the Spirit, and speaking through the believer. God GIVES the word to the heart, and gives grace to speak it.
We are apt to forget that the Lord ACTUALLY speaks to us by the Spirit. He did so with Ananias, instructing him to speak to Paul. (Acts 9:10-12) He spoke to Peter in a vision, one in which Peter called Him “Lord.” In the church of Antioch, “…the Holy Spirit SAID…separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to do.” (Acts 13:2) The point here is that God speaks to every believer, primarily through His word, by the Spirit. Do we believe this? Do we believe that He can, and will, do so TODAY? He has not changed, nor have His ways. If communion with God is primary in the sight of God, then Christ is waiting to speak to the expectant heart, through His word.
Dear Father, give us to live in the expectancy of hearing Thy voice, as we wait upon Thee in Thy word. Give us to discern, in accents clear and still, Thy blessed, small voice, saying: “This is the way; walk ye in it.” Give us grace to wholeheartedly follow Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad