The Washing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)

 


Wednesday, July 3, 2024


Psalm 9

2 Chronicles 18:9-27

Titus 3


Observance: Thomas, apostle and martyr [if not observed on December 21]


The Washing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)


I have a toddler, a little boy. We have started putting a little step ladder in the kitchen, so that he can come up to the bench and see what we are doing, and “help”. This has caused a new level of stress for us, however. Because, while toddlers and sharp knives do not mix, toddlers love sharp knives.


All this talk about the spirits coming out from God’s throne room in today’s first lesson feels a bit like toddlers playing with sharp knives. We humans seem fascinated with the spirit realm, even though we get told time and time again in the Bible not to have anything to do with it. The false prophets are playing fast and loose with their supposed prophecies from God, and even let themselves start fights in the physical realm over it.


St Paul concludes his letter to Titus with a reference to the spirit realm: specifically, the Holy Spirit, and what he has done for us, and how we are to approach spiritual matters as a result.


We are to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility to all men. This is a spiritual approach to living that doesn’t run the risk of playing with sharp knives.


Through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit, we have been brought out of spiritual darkness, of toddlers reaching out across a kitchen bench we can’t see and grabbing sharp knives. The Holy Spirit protects us from spiritual danger by showing us how to live according to God’s will, and God rules supreme over the spiritual realm.


All this has been done for us by Jesus Christ our Saviour. Through his death, we died to the way of living that led us into spiritual danger. And through his resurrection, we have become heirs of the promise that one day we too will be raised to the supreme place over the spiritual realm, as well as the physical. This is a trustworthy saying, and we should stress these things, because they are excellent and profitable for us all.


Jesus Christ my Saviour, thank you for pouring out your Holy Spirit so generously upon me. Raise me in all spiritual goodness, and keep me safe from all spiritual danger, so that I may be with you forever.

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