March 20,2015

The Mark of Belonging

 Nancy Smith

Ephesians 1:13-14

Because you, too, have heard the word of truth—the good news of your salvation—and because you believed in the One who is truth, your lives are marked with His seal. This is none other than the Holy Spirit who was promised  as the guarantee toward the inheritance we are to receive when He frees and rescues all who belong to Him. To God be all praise and glory!  (The Voice Translation)

The word mark has many meanings.  We make many marks in the world don’t we? Think of some everyday uses of the word mark.  If you are a carpenter you have to mark where the doors and windows go, so they are installed properly (and pass inspection).  If you are a student the marks you make in school may help you get into the college of your choice. If you are an athlete you wait for the signal;  on your mark, get set, go!  We even mark the garbage can at the end of the driveway for safekeeping. 

When we heard the truth and when we believed God put his mark on us and sealed it with the Holy Spirit.  A seal that denotes ownership and security.  We belong to the creator.  The one who sent his son to us because he loved us so much and to set us free from sin.

Dear God thank you for putting your mark on us and giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us each and every day.