Keep The Box

As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” [Luke 11.27-28]

Jesus had just cast a demon out of a man. Some there accused Him of getting His power from Satan to which Jesus replied with an appeal to their logic about the impracticality of such a suggestion. At least one woman in the crowd 'got it' though... Or did she?

How frustrating it is to try to communicate a point to an individual or a group when they totally miss the point. Here was Jesus demonstrating the very power of God and offering the gift of this power to all who believe and yet the people were more caught up in disproving His authority than partaking of God's gift He offered!

And likewise, this woman declared Him to be a blessing to His mother... a backwards and limited blessing, if you will. But in reply, Jesus offered a forward and unlimited blessing to ALL who put hands and feet to God's Word.

It would seem that Jesus (through all He did) came to deliver the Holy Spirit - God's very power - to mankind. He delivered this gift through the "package" of His body and life on earth. Power and restored fellowship with God are the cumulative gift of the Holy Spirit - the contents of the "package". I am afraid perhaps we still miss the point in some ways today.

Jesus desired that we have God's power and fellowship. But all the people could focus on was Him - the package. They either wanted to burn the package (never even aware of It's contents) or worship the package - again, failing to realize the delivered contents!

Jesus' words to the woman clearly indicated that there is more to it than the blessing of a beautiful package (I'm thinking Christmas here). There is an unprecedented gift inside!

But what about the package - the box? Well, KEEP THE BOX! It is part of the gift as it has the instructions and warranty written on it! How else can we see and understand how to walk in the gift of the Holy Spirit unless we see it through Jesus' life on earth?

Father, I am seeing something in a completely different light this morning regarding what Jesus has given to mankind. I thank You for Your Spirit given freely to live in me in Jesus' name! It all fits together! I want to receive Your Word and put it into practice!