Filled with the Spirit

1 Corinthians 3:16 – What’s Inside?

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Don’t you know what’s inside your body? Paul’s question might take us by surprise. Initially, we think of what’s tangible, like our heart, lungs, and other body organs. Where does the Spirit of God fit in?

Context (1 Corinthians 3:10-17): Paul counseled the Corinthian believers to understand more about faith and the role of the Holy Spirit. The foundation Paul talks of is Jesus, and our faith begins with him. Paul wanted his audience to be prepared for judgment day by not putting our trust in the wrong building materials. By reminding us we are the temple of God with the Spirit of God dwelling inside us, Paul wanted to empower us. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 3:16 – What’s Inside?”

Zechariah 4:1-14 – A Lampstand and Two Olive Trees

Read Zechariah 4:1-14

You’re not alone if this fifth vision of Zechariah left you perplexed. It’s not only strange but hard to understand. I’m hoping we can unpack it a little and let the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts the intended message for our reflection. Even the angel’s explanation left me scratching my head.

It helps to remember that this section of the book is focusing on who is leading those exiled people now returning to Jerusalem. This vision points to the new governor, and kingly descendent, Zerubbabel. You may recall Haggai mentions Zerubbabel—now it’s Zechariah’s turn to shine the light on the leader God had chosen.

Micah 3:1-12 – Boast in the Lord

Read Micah 3:1-12

Micah calls out to the leaders to listen. This message is for them. Leaders include rulers, priests, and prophets in charge of telling the people about God’s ways and expectations. It wasn’t like people had their own Bibles sitting on the shelf with everything they needed to know. The people had to rely on their leaders to tell them about God.

These leaders needed a wake-up call. They were more interested in the bribes they’d receive and in supporting themselves rather than relying on God and teaching truth. I know the struggle, even today, for pastors leading churches and feeling like their hands are tied when “big donors” expect their own agendas will be recognized, even when the good of the congregation is the other direction. Interesting comparison.