Mark 1:7-8
“As he preached he said, ‘The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.’”
“John announced, ‘Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am – so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!’”
I am struck by the contrast between and Old Testament Jew, attempting to please God, and believers in this age of the gentiles. We almost take the indwelling Holy Spirit for granted. Imagine how wonderful this foretelling was for the Jew who had to drum up obedience from within himself. Here was help to overturn the desires of the relentless self. Believers today have a supreme blessing in the One who fills our jars of clay. It is the Pearl of Great Price.
Lord, forgive my grieving of your precious Spirit. Make me more malleable, more inclined to listen and respect your presence withing me. As always, change my heart to be more fully thine.