TruthPoints

05.01.08

Clothed with the Spirit

 For my own personal daily devotions, I enjoy reading from The English Standard Version of the Bible.  It is an extremely accurate translation, easy to read, and often expresses truths in such a way as to make me look at a passage from a different perspective.

 Such was the case on Monday morning.  Reading about the life and ministry of Gideon in the English Standard Version of the Bible, I came across this declaration in Judges 6:34, “But the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon”.  I did not remember ever seeing that phrase in the passage.  The New King James Version, from which I study and preach, renders the phrase like this, “But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon”.  

 Naturally, I looked up the Hebrew word and discovered that the English Standard Version translated it accurately and descriptively.  The Hebrew word translated, “came upon” or “clothed” is “labesh” meaning, “to properly wrap around, to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literal or figurative”.  [i]  The Amplified Bible conveys the meaning very well with these words, “But the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon with Himself and took possession of him”.

 I have been meditating on the phrase all week and have concluded that Gideon’s experience is exactly what I desire for my life each day. 

-I want to be clothed with the Holy Spirit. 

-I desire to be controlled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). 

-I wish to be consumed by the Holy Spirit, so that He takes full possession of me.

Two tremendous results occur when we are clothed with the Spirit of God.

1.  Self is no longer seen.  The rags of our unrighteousness are invisible.

2.  The Savior alone is seen.  The robe of His righteousness is discernible.

 Do you remember Romans 13:14, which says, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts”? 

 This has been my prayer all week.  Lord clothe me, control me, and consume me so that only Your righteousness is discernible in me and through me.  I think this is a worthy request to make to our heavenly Father right now.  I hope this is your desire today.  Please pause for just a moment and join me in this prayer, “Lord, clothe me and take possession of all that I have and all that I am”.

 Have a blessed day.

Pastor David

 

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