Sunday’s Blessing – 03/02/2025

Sunday’s Blessing – 03/02/2025

More on God’s overshadowing.

I mentioned the correlation in my mind of what is referred to as overshadowing of God and the baptism into Christ. Here are a few more thoughts.

It is written in scripture that God “overshadowed” Mary when she conceived Jesus. I do not believe that was the end of His involvement. I believe it was a beginning. God remained with her to see her through the pregnancy, delivery, and care for the Son of God born to her. In the Old Testament it is said the Holy Spirit would “come on” people when God used them in miraculous ways. On Pentecost the Holy Spirit “filled” those present in the upper room, and continues to do that until this day. Jesus promised to send “another Comforter” when He ascended to Heaven. Pentecost was the keeping of that promise. The Holy Spirit has never left.

Even thought Mary’s encounter occurred before Pentecost, I believe the “overwhelming” of God on the day Gabriel came and brought the request from God to bear His Son was a precursor to Pentecost. I believe Mary was filled that day, just as John the Baptist was “filled with the Spirit” when Elizabeth greeted Mary. This was a type, or sign, of what was coming to those who would receive the Son. The Holy Spirit comes and indwells you and becomes the “seal” of our salvation, just as He is described elsewhere in scripture.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 (ESV)

When are made “new creations in Christ”, the Holy Spirit takes on the role of the Overshadower and Baptizer when He takes up residence in our recreated spirit, now made alive, again, unto God.

Now for this week’s blessing:

May you come to know the amazing power exerted by God when He saved you

“and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:19-21 (ESV)

And may you become fully aware that this same power is what brought you into the Kingdom

“And when you were dead in the trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1 (ESV)

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-6 (ESV)

So that you would be fully equipped to be an ambassador for the Kingdom of God

And be a mirror to shine the perfect love of Christ into your world

May you hear the same words of the Father He declared over Jesus

As He speaks them to you today, “This is my beloved son/daughter”

And He adds, “In whom I am well pleased.”

Because He has made you acceptable in His sight

May you never feel the urge to back up from the strength God has given

So you may be as bold as a lion, declaring the goodness of God

But also maintain the humility of the lamb

By loving with the love of the Father, the compassion of Christ, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit