The same Spirit that rose Christ from the grave dwells in us. The mystery of that truth will always fascinate me. I am thankful to the Lord for setting his people apart from this world and giving them his instructive spirit. Where scholars of today may heap up knowledge and pride themselves on high IQs, don't you just love how this simply does not impress Jesus? It is his Spirit that proclaims truth and reveals a kind of knowledge and wisdom that only his children get to acquire. There is something about God's secrecy and favor that I really appreciate. He doesn't allow those who are not in Him to receive insider information, but reserves it for those who love Him. There is great intimacy in that, much like between a wife and husband or parent and child. I have peace within and joy without, knowing that my reading of Scripture and prayer with the Father is not in vain. He has saved me from a life of obscurities, ambiguities, false teachings and self-idolatry. By saying yes to Jesus it becomes possible for us to actually know what he is saying to us. We don't have to continue walking around in darkness, with eyes blinded and ears closed. It may be tempting to stray from his Word and think for ourselves, putting out of our minds what he has spoken or made known to us. But it is God's heart, as reflected in John's words, that we would come to mature in Christ and remain devoted to him:

"I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one." - 1 John 2:14

My prayer for the church (myself included) is that we would persevere in our faith, remembering how we too were mere children, immature and new to what it means to follow Jesus. But as we have grown up in Christ, becoming young men (and women) who have been anointed by his Holy Spirit, my hope is an ever deepening knowledge of who God is. It does not stop there, however:

"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father." - 1 John 2:24

What does it mean to "remain" in the Son and in the Father? How do we truly abide in them? Is it not through constant love, trust, prayer, obedience and submission to His will for our lives? Another mind-boggling mystery, this idea of I in Him and He in me. I come to understand it better when I factor in God's third personality - His Spirit.

"But you have an anointing from the Holy One and all of you know the truth...
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you...
But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in him." - 1 John 2:20,27

God the Father made us and loves us as his sons and daughters. Jesus the Son dwelled among us, revealing to us who God is and making it possible for us to be reconciled to Him. God the Spirit has likewise been sent to us as a Counselor, reminding us of Christ's teachings and convicting us of sin so that this reconciled relationship with the Father endures forever.

Put in this perspective, I can gain a better grasp of what this "remaining in him" looks like. As Jesus is mediator between us and God the Father, the Holy Spirit is our helper in authentically following Jesus and allowing him to more fully enter our hearts and shape our person. I look forward to this time of study, prayer and listening to God's voice as revealed through his Word. I anticipate much learning and humbly hope for his wisdom to be bestowed upon me, wisdom that does not come from this world or its leaders, but from God alone, who is pleased to give freely to those who ask and seek after him whole-heartedly.

Lord Jesus, make yourself known to me with greater clarity, so that I will imitate you and instruct others through the life I live in submission to your will. Protect me from the inclination to seek after the world and its false hopes and empty promises. Renew in me a mind that is preoccupied by thoughts of you, your kingdom, your words and your example. Would I not just give credence to you and your teachings when I happen to sit and meditate on your Word, but that I would live out each day as though I really were walking right beside you, hand in hand. Help me to believe and trust the Spirit you have sent, heeding its advice and giving honor to your name. May this redeemed life keep being redeemed, Jesus, so that it can be used to give you glory and help bring others into relationship with you through God's grace. Amen.