Only the Son’s Life Serves the Father
A simple lamp, light flowing the moment it is connected, a picture of Jesus expressing His life through yielded hearts.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows, T. Austin-Sparks, September 16. Thank you, Brother Sparks, for pointing us to the simple center, the surpassing worth of Jesus above every well meant effort.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
We can have the best intentions, the cleanest motives, and the boldest plans, yet still miss the point if we try to offer God a polished version of our old self. Today’s reading from T. Austin-Sparks presses on a sensitive place. He reminds us that the Father has shut the door on the old creation. The Father receives only the life of His Son. That is not harsh. That is mercy. The Son is the only life that truly loves the Father and truly loves people.
This lands close to home. Many of us consecrated our zeal, our intelligence, and our emotions, then ran hard in ministry. We meant well. Still, the results often looked like strain, division, and discouragement. Sparks says the issue is the energy source. Serving by the energy of the flesh will always fray the church. Serving by the indwelling life of Jesus bears peace and fruit.
Hebrews says to exhort each other today so that no one is tricked by sin and hardened. That includes the subtle lie that God wants our old capacities upgraded for His work. He does not. He wants His Son to be the life of our work. The church of the firstborn is not a renovation of Adam. She is a people born from above in union with the risen Lord.
So we encourage one another. Not to try harder. Not to optimize the old. We encourage one another to yield. Present yourself to God as alive from the dead. Let Jesus be your wisdom, your strength, your patience, and your voice. The Spirit will nudge, lead, and supply, and the Father will be honored.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I dwell in you. I am the Spirit of life in Jesus, and I have joined you to Him. I do not ask you to polish the old self. I call you to reckon the old self crucified with Him and to present yourself as alive to God in Jesus. I work in you to will and to do the Father’s good pleasure. Walk by Me, and you will not gratify the flesh. Set your mind on the things above where Jesus is, and let His peace rule in your heart. Put off the old practices that once shaped you. Put on the new person who is being renewed after the image of the Creator.
I am not harsh with you. There is no condemnation for you in Jesus. I am the Spirit of adoption, and I bear witness that you belong to the Father. I guide you into all that is already yours in Him. Apart from Jesus you can do nothing. Abide in Him, and His life will bear fruit in you. Offer your body as a living sacrifice. This is your worship in everyday life. Do not be shaped by the patterns around you. Be transformed by renewal in the truth. The life you now live in the body you live by faith in the Son of God who loved you and gave Himself for you. I am faithful. I called you. I will do it.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a simple table lamp. You can dust it, shine it, and buy a new shade. None of that produces light. The moment it is plugged into a live outlet and the switch is turned, the room brightens. The source makes the difference. In the same way, trying to consecrate and upgrade the old self cannot yield the light the Father seeks. When you yield to the indwelling Spirit of Jesus, His life flows, and He gives the light and warmth the moment requires.
Try this today in a real moment. Before a difficult conversation at work or at home, pause and quietly say, Lord, I yield my words and tone to You. Live Your patience and truth through me right now. Then step in with a relaxed heart, trusting the Lord to supply calm clarity and honest love as you speak.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus You closed the door on the old creation and opened the way into new life. Thank You that I am united with Your Son, counted dead to sin and alive to You. Thank You that Your Spirit lives in me as my guide, my power, and my peace. Today I present myself to You as one alive from the dead. I rest in the wisdom of Jesus for my decisions, the love of Jesus for my relationships, and the strength of Jesus for every task. You are faithful, and You will do it. Amen.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Hebrews 3:13; Romans 6:6, 11 to 13; Romans 8:1 to 4, 14 to 16; Romans 12:1 to 2; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:16 to 18, 24; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22 to 24; Ephesians 2:8 to 10; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:1 to 17; John 14:16 to 17; John 15:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 1 Corinthians 1:30