Why are you so angry?

It was God who said "Why are you so angry?" to Cain in Chapter 4, verse 6 of Genesis. This verse came to my mind as I thought about the recent Grand Jury decision not to indict Officer Wilson in the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. It's interesting that Michael's parents, their community and the media have all apparently forgotten that Michael had just stolen some cigars. Rather than feel remorse for that theft and the terror the shopkeeper may have felt, they instead chose to be angry at Officer Wilson.

So is this a new problem? Not according to the book of Genesis. Instead of taking responsibility for not offering God the sacrifice he should have, Cain got angry. Not only did he get angry, he went out, attacked his brother and killed him (verse 8).

I recall a particular occasion when my son misbehaved. He may have been 8 or 9 years old. When I scolded him, he got very angry. I responded by saying "How dare YOU get angry when YOU are the one that disobeyed me!" He thought about it for a while and said "I'm sorry mom, I think I am angry with myself." I will never forget that. It taught me a great lesson. None of like to admit we are wrong, but when we do, we find mercy and grace in our time of need.

"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

The New Covenant

After Jesus says all these wonderful things about the Holy Spirit (see the last 2 blog entries), He suffers, dies, and is taken up to heaven. Then, in the first chapter of the book of Acts, Jesus is back with His disciples. And He has more to tell them!

1. He says they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5).
2. He says they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on them (Acts 1:8a).
3. He says they will be His witnesses (Acts 1: 8b).

This is now the New Covenant! Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the law of the Spirit of life sets me free from the law of sin and death!

According to Galatians 5: 19-21, the law of sin and death looks like this:

"sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like."

And the law of the Spirit of life looks like this:

"love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." 

Why wouldn't I want all that the New Covenant promises? Oh, but Jesus told them one more thing...

"but wait for the gift my Father promised."  Acts 1:4b

"but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49b 

Frustration

After all Jesus says about the Holy Spirit (see last week's blog), in John 16:7 He says "Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." There was a clear order to things. First, there had to be a death (in this case Jesus') and then the Holy Spirit could be sent.

I think it is the same way with us. There has to be suffering and a death to self - or absolute surrender - in order to receive the Holy Spirit. So I must not resist the suffering if I understand it will lead to future glory! 

As I was writing in my journal one day, I caught myself using the word "frustrated" a lot. Then, I "happened" to turn to Romans 8:20 and read:

"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

You can't make this stuff up! God's Word is so amazing! What if I applied this verse to my situation? What if I was subjected to all the frustration I was experiencing by the will of God because He hoped to bring me to an end of my self - this body of sin, destined to decay - in order that I be brought into glorious freedom!

Who is the Holy Spirit?

I am passionately seeking the third person of the Trinity: The Holy Spirit (or Counselor). This week I want to look at who He is.

1. The Spirit comes to us when we love Jesus, and obey Him (John 14:15). This is someone who has made Jesus their Savior and LORD.
2. The Counselor (Holy Spirit) will be with us forever (John 14:16b). No need to fear Him going anywhere.
3. He is the Spirit of truth (as are the Father and Son) (John 14:17a). He will guide us into all truth (John 16:13a). So if we do something contrary to the Bible, it is not the Spirit leading us.
4. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him (John 14:17b). Don't bother trying to explain Him to a non-Christ-follower.
5. The Counselor will teach us all things and will remind us of everything Jesus said to us. (John 14:26). No need to worry - if - you're reading the Bible and meditating on it.
6. The Spirit will testify about Jesus. (John 15:26). If you have the Spirit, you will be used to testify, whether by word or deed.
7. He will convict the world of sin (John 16:8). I really don't need to say anything - unless asked.
8. He will tell us what is to come (John 16:13b). Wow!
9. He will bring glory to Jesus by taking from Him and making it known to us (John 16:14).