Christ, the Hope of Glory
That Christmas week when I made my first trip to Israel several decades ago, airport security was extremely tight because of recent wars. We were searched meticulously. But with that behind us, we began our pilgrimage by visiting ancient Biblical sites.
At daybreak on an extremely cold morning, our tour group gathered in a beautifully manicured garden spot outside the main gates of Jerusalem. An open tomb was before us like the one that held the body of Jesus –some believe it is the one. We were here at the Garden Tomb to celebrate His life and resurrection.
After we sang about His rising from the tomb, a pastor delivered a short message. “Remember how you were searched before you came into Israel?” he asked.
Did I remember! I was one of a few who were given a “body search”—thorough and embarrassing.
“You smuggled something into Jerusalem they couldn’t take away from you in customs. It’s not found in museums or in any of the historical places,” he continued.
What was he getting at? I wondered.
“You smuggled Jesus into Jerusalem! They couldn’t lock that up. If you know Him, then His Spirit lives within you. The Bible says it is Christ in you, the hope of glory,” he said as he read Colossians 1:27 from the Apostle Paul.
“Even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints, to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” ( Colossians 1:27 ASV)
I sat contemplating that Scripture verse. Those on this Christian pilgrimage had brought the Spirit of the Living Lord into Israel with us. Wow, what a nugget.
Isn’t that true for Christians wherever they go, allowing His Spirit in them to represent Jesus Christ? Maybe it is a question we need to ask ourselves more often.
Prayer: Father, thank you that after Jesus rose from the dead and returned to heaven, You sent as He promised, the Holy Spirit to empower us, especially to be Your witnesses. May we never take that gift for granted. Help us to yield more and more to what You want to accomplish in us and through us. Amen.
Scriptures:
But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. (John 14:26 ASV)
[Jesus speaking] But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:6 AMP)
See our ebook The Beginner’s Guide to Receiving the Holy Spirit.
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