Daily Devotional for Tuesday 10th September
Signed, sealed, delivered
In today’s reading, we get an insight into Paul’s theme of unity. He uses the words ‘we’ and ‘you’ to distinguish between the Jewish Christians and the Gentiles. God’s family began as the Jews; His people Israel. He chose to bless them, starting with Abraham’s family. Abraham was promised many descendants, as many as the stars. The Lord said to him, ‘I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing’ (Genesis 12:2). But through Jesus, God’s salvation and inheritance of eternal life was opened up to Gentiles too. We are all united through Christ. Paul points out that the Jewish Christians ‘were the first to put our hope in Christ’ and that the Gentiles ‘also were included in Christ when [they] heard the message of truth’ (vv.12-13).
Paul goes on to say that when the Gentiles believed, they were marked ‘with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory’ (vv.13-14). We have all been sealed with the Holy Spirit. We are chosen and set apart for God. We’re marked as belonging to Him. Yesterday we reflected on our identity in Christ, and today’s passage builds on that. Isn’t it amazing to think that we have been set apart and that we belong to Him, and nothing can separate us from His love for us!
The Message sums up today’s passage like this: we are ‘signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This down payment from God is the first instalment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life’ (vv13-14).
When life gets tough, when we’re facing challenges and we can’t see the light, let’s allow today’s verses to encourage us to keep our eyes on what’s coming. In light of eternity, our troubles and trials are so small. That doesn’t take away from how heavy, scary or sad they can be for us. But it does help us to keep going. It reminds us that one day we will be united with our Father forever; and there will be no more tears, no more pain. How wonderful that will be!
Time to reflect...
• Listen to the song ‘This is my Inheritance’ by All Sons & Daughters. You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBH8FLgtzHs. Spend some time reading today’s verses again while you’re listening.
Pause to pray…
Thank God for the inheritance you have. Thank Him that you’re sealed by the Holy Spirit and that you belong to Him. Ask Him to help you keep going through any trials you’re facing at the moment.
