Take a look at the scripture for today! Ephesians 5: 15 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit"
And here is the Message version of the same verses.
"So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! 17 Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him."
I think the Apostle Paul understands people. And it seems people haven't changed much in the 2000 years since he wrote this. We all will seek something to fill up on. This implies that we are all empty to some degree or another. The plea of the Apostle is to "fill up" on the Holy Spirit or to put it in the Message terms, "Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of Him."
There are "unwise" places and things to go to for our "fill up". He mentions alcohol as one of those. Things haven't changed, have they? Alcohol is still a favorite "go to" to catch a buzz, veg a little, relax, escape ... but it doesn't last and it never delivers. I love a good beer but it can't fill the "empty"in me....... "be careful" says the apostle. There are a hundred different "go to" places that we can go for a fill up.
Only one ultimately brings life though!
The idea that God Himself desires to fill us up...... to fill in all the cracks and crevices of our beings with His presence is mind boggling, exciting and intriguing to me. "Be filled with the Spirit!" says the Apostle.
I remember studying this verse in Greek. The verb for "filled" is in the present tense which should be translated as "keep on being filled". We leak. We need ongoing filling. Today is Ash Wednesday. Our service tonight at Point of Grace offers intentional opportunities for "filling up".
Father in heaven I come to you now to be filled with your Spirit. Please fill me with your Spirit again and again and again today! Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Amen
delton