“To them God would make known what is the glorious riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col.1:27 MEV
Over three decades ago, when my husband first gave his heart to Christ, one of his best friends asked him, ‘How did you go from one extreme to the other…in one day?” He was not so much challenging Dan, but instead was mystified by this new person standing before him who was happy, free and obviously touched by God. It was clear to see that Christ was within: where there had been sadness, now there was hope; where there had been a life lived aimlessly, now there was purpose and vision. And, above all, there was the glory.
This glorious habitation of the Holy Spirit in our hearts is the mystery that is the most powerful evidence we have of a Living God. Just as in the days of Moses, where God sent a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to lead and guide His people; so now, that glory cloud has entered into the new temple; that is the temple of our hearts. He makes His home there. We are nevermore alone, led and guided from within; the still, small, Voice saying to us, “This is the way. Walk ye in it.” Is. 30:21
This inward dwelling of the Most High God gives us access to all that Jesus has to give. LOVE. JOY. PEACE. PATIENCE, KINDNESS, COURAGE, HOPE, HEALING, RESTORATION. For Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. All of heaven at our disposal, residing within. This is the glory that can change the world. When Jesus promised His disciples that He would send them the Holy Spirit to abide with them for ever, He said, “ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18
Christ, in us the hope of glory. And that hope is the Hope of All Nations. In Him the fullness of the Godhead does bodily dwell, and we are complete…in Him. What an honor to carry His presence within us. What a responsibility to live our lives in the most yielded way, so that truly we can say: “It is no longer I who live, BUT CHRIST who lives in me.” Gal. 2:20
~ Debbie Ecker