"The Deposit"
December 19, 2008
Ephesians 1:13-14 - In Him you also, when you heard the Word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.
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When a couple decides to get married, they start a long planning process. They have to get flowers, invitations, dresses, and tuxedos. They have to book all sorts of services: a pastor, a photographer, a baker, and DJ or a band. But finding a place for the reception is one of the most important things they can do. Without a hall, there's no reception, and all the other plans go to waste. In some cities, couples have to book a hall up to a year or more in advance. Most places ask for a deposit when they make a reservation-usually a small portion of the final cost. That deposit is a promise the bride and groom will pay the rest on the day of their big party.
From eternity God made great plans to live with us forever. With great care and attention to each and every detail, He created a perfect place for us to live. Even after our first parents disobeyed God and ruined this perfect creation for each of us, He continued with His plans. He sent His own Son to live the perfect life we could not live, and to suffer and die in our place on the cross. Through Jesus Christ, God's plans for our eternal future together are right on track.
On the last day, Jesus Christ will return and raise all people from the dead, giving those who trust in Jesus Christ eternal life with Him. Jesus will return like a groom meeting his bride, and what a great celebration that day will be! You could even call it a wedding reception. And like every reception, someone had to make a deposit; someone had to make the promise. And that's where the Holy Spirit comes in. He is the deposit all Christians receive when they are baptized. He is the promise God has given all Christians to remind them of the party to come on the last day.
THE PRAYER: Father in heaven, in our Baptism you have given your people the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of the inheritance we will receive on the last day. Give us faith and hope to trust in that promise until Jesus returns. Through Him, who lives with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Written by Pastor James Huenink
St. James Lutheran Church
Chicago, Illinois
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