“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13 ESV
We all enjoy giving gifts to our children. We enjoy picking out that book, toy, or game that we think they would like. There is a special joy for the giver when you see the delight on their faces upon opening the gift. As givers, we give gifts not out of obligation but because we want to. It's an expression of our love.
In today's scripture, Jesus points out that the desire to give good gifts is instinctual, even for bad people. If your child asked for a fish, would you provide them with a snake (v. 11)? Of course not! So if bad folks wouldn't do that, would we expect anything less from our Heavenly Papa? The gift our Father gives when we ask is better than any gift we've ever received; he gives the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is multiple gifts in one package, serving as a comforter, helper, teacher, guide, intercessor, and sanctifier. Our Father gives this great gift out of love and rejoices when we accept.
God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is ours only for the asking. Refresh our Spirit, let it live and dwell in us, and lead us into righteousness. In Jesus’, name we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
