Second Day Of the New Year

 THE GRACE OF INDWELLING

Before we even begin today’s word, there is an extremely sobering thought that we must never forget about who God is. No matter how you have begun this New Year, regardless of whether you wanted it or not, you are in it. Now here is the part that you cannot argue, the truth which you cannot disprove.

You stand in the second day of this New Year, not because you have clean hands; not because your heart is pure; not because you have not lifted up your soul to an idol; not because you have not sworn by what is false and certainly not because of any goodness or faithfulness on your part. You are here, on this January 2nd day, by the design and dictates of Almighty God. Believe it or not, this is also true for every single human being who is alive today. So what makes the difference in you and others? There is a difference in our responses to God’s grace and mercy, which comes in a person’s acceptance of the Person of Christ.

When you diligently seek the Lord as Saviour and King, for no other reason but to honour, adore and worship Him, the Lord God looks upon you and is pleased. Is not this diligent searching for the Lord part of the Epiphany Story? If you have been included in the Advent story, then there is room for you in the Epiphany story. Is it not true that all during the Advent Week and before, you have been diligently seeking, learning, and receiving the signs and proofs given to you of the Presence of the Lord Jesus in you? Through some very ordinary, human experiences and observances, you have received signs and proofs.

The word diligent, is used in the experience of the Magi as they too searched for the Lord Jesus. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. Matthew 2: 7 – 8. KJV  Twice, the word diligently is used, pertaining to finding Jesus, in order to honour, worship and adore Him.

Herod, who represents the fake believer, enquires of the Magi diligently, pretending to want to earnestly come and worship. There are still many of us who diligently seek Jesus, but to no good end. We each need to be very mindful and take serious heed that we are not seeking Jesus for false and evil reasons. This evil occurs because the Indwelling Holy Spirit of God is not in you.  

The Magi are the people who represent the sincere, honest and true believers, who earnestly seek Jesus to worship Him and offer themselves to Him. You have sought the Lord’s face diligently and He has not hidden Himself from you. You have come to the point where self-will is no longer your pride and joy and Jesus is your one desire. This good occurs because of the Indwelling Holy Spirit of God in you.

As you stand in 2024, having died to 2023, so too you stand in God’s goodness in this New Year, having died to your selfishness and pride; your anger and folly; your hatred and dishonesty and your disobedience and rebellion. With the Grace of His Indwelling Spirit, you know the Lord’s offer of blessing and vindication, as quoted in yesterday’s meditation. This verse tells you exactly what you will receive. Listen to it again. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Psalm 24: 5.  But what is this blessing and what is this vindication? As you and I take a closer look at what has been offered, let us not forget that this is not for those who diligently seek Jesus, in order to make a mockery, of His grace. It is for all who receive and accept that Jesus Christ is indeed Lord, Saviour and King. It is for all, who by faith, believe that He has pardoned them of their sins and is able to change them completely. It is for all who, in the grace and mercy of Love, receive at last, an end to all of self. Vanity, pride and arrogance only survive and thrive because of self. Just as without feet, shoes find no place to fit in, or fit on, in like manner, without self, vanity, pride, arrogance and such evils, have no place to fit on to. Blessing and vindication is your promise and mine from the Indwelling Lord. 

Let’s continue in God’s Grace tomorrow, the Third day of the New Year.