Wednesday 4 March, 2015
1 John 2:26-28
26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. 28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
It is encouraging to know that whatever God sends to us, and gives to us, is designed to help us. The anointing (a.k.a Holy Spirit) from God gives me the help I need to know about “all things” that I need to know to live the life God has called me to. And the anointing primarily calls me to one priority – remaining in Jesus, continuing in Jesus. This will be the reason for my confidence and unashamed standing before the Lord when He returns again.
I am reminded that I have the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit to teach me at all times “all things” that I need to know for the moment I’m in, the day ahead, and whatever is up next in the purpose of God for my life. It is so easy to think – I’m underprepared, underresourced, underdone for what is next – but this text reminds me, I am exactly the opposite. I can be confident and unashamed, both now and on the day He returns – by trusting in, listening to, and following the teaching of the Holy Spirit. And most clearly and simply, the Holy Spirit teaches me to remain in and continue in Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit, I trust you. I listen in. I want to learn more and more from you. Teach me “about all things” you want me to know. Thank you that you constantly remind me – remain in Jesus, continue in Jesus. Help me walk in the power of this focused faith, each day, in Jesus name.
Written by Ps. Rob Waugh
Verse 26 catches my eye. People attempting to lead me astray. Now that is disturbing. Was their intent to lead John and his companions knowingly away from Jesus? Were they ignorant of the impact of their teaching, but John could see the impact.
Irrespective John recognizes that there are those who, at times, teach and preach things that are not in line with the Scriptures. We need to be on the look out for when what is preached is not true to God’s Word.
God has given us His Spirit to assist here. He will guide us into the truth. This passage is not suggesting that we do not need those who preach and teach, the Bible, elsewhere reminds us of these gifts in people. This passage reminds us that one of the roles of the Holy Spirit, here referred to as the anointing, is to lead us to the truth. This is commonly experienced as a “resonance” with the truth, where we recognize the truth of something as we become more familiar with God, His Word and ways.
Father thanks You for giving me the Holy Spirit. I pray He enables me to teach well, rightly dividing the Word of truth as well as consistently teaching and leading me to Your truth.