Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Romans 8:23-24a, NIV

 

What powerful and comforting knowledge for the reborn or born-again child of God! Our mortality will be devoured by life – eternal life! This is God’s promise to you, His child. Your salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life are the seal and guarantee that it will be so. But your hope should never grow faint, nor should you give up when life throws you curve balls. Persevere in faith and delight yourself in the hopeful future awaiting you!

 

By this time, you are already well aware that Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven at this very moment. (John 14:2) The resident Holy Spirit, though, is preparing us as believers for that place. In his book, In Gees en in Waarheid, Dr I Burger describes it as follows: “The Holy Spirit supports us on our journey of sanctification and enables us to walk by the Spirit and to bear fruit whilst awaiting the coming of the King.” Said differently, the Holy Spirit wants the bride to be prepared and ready for the coming of the Bridegroom.

 

The role of the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ return? He will restore to life the mortal bodies of every child of God and change and glorify them forever. “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11) You can also read 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 for an even clearer description.

 

In John 3:26-29, John the Baptist calls himself a friend of the bridegroom (Jesus) who “waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice.” This is exactly what the Holy Spirit does. Revelation 22 describes this waiting on the return of the coming of the Bridegroom as follows, The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (verse 17). And then follows the answer: “Yes, I am coming soon.” (verse 20)

 

And as expectant believers, we echo, “Amen! Come Lord Jesus, come!”

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open your children’s ears to hear when the Holy Spirit cries out, “Come!” We want to join him when he cries out and hear the answer, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen.