The Promise of the Holy Spirit

By Benjamin H. Liles

          For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. - Isaiah 43:19

          The idea with this verse from Isaiah reflects what Jesus said during his ministry, which is this: "Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart'" (John 7:38). Do we long and desire to have a new heart within us? God can manage it. Do we turn, knowingly, from the former ways of our lives to thus align with God? Only by revelation of Him to our spirits.

          There are two things that stand out then:

1) "For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things contained in the law, these although not having the law are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them" (Romans 2:14,15).

2) "God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:1,2).

          If we, then, long for those things for ourselves that God desires to do within and for us we would see His plans of reforming us from our sinful, past nature to a new nature where we abide in Him and Him in us. For this reason it is why we become like a branch to a tree; "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me" John 15:4).

          Therefore, in talking about "Rivers of living water flowing from within" it can only happen when we choose to remain a part of the body of Christ and allowing His life-changing word to transform us by His power and strength. Yet, even then His Spirit is given to us so that we can remember all the things He told us. So, if then we who have once been the "dry wasteland" He creates "rivers" within us, It is He who does this thing. It is not by our own accord, but by His will, His hand.

          Father, like David penned, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10), I desire this same thing. I know there's nothing I can do to receive Your Spirit, other than by asking You to forgive me of my sins through Your Son Jesus the Messiah. Thank You for that gift. I praise You for giving Your love and Your Spirit so I can worship and praise You for all You do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.