Romans 8:23 And
not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as
sons, the redemption of our bodies.
When the spies went into Canaan, they came back with a single
cluster of grapes so large that they had to carry it on a pole between two of
them (Numbers 13). That is a mighty fine bunch of grapes!
We also have firstfruits like none seen or experienced
before, in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit in us creates real and vibrant faith,
the Spirit comforts us in our weaknesses, the Spirit wells up in us to go and
to do His work in the Kingdom. All of which we could never do without the
Spirit.
Matthew Henry states in his commentary on the New Testament
that
“We, having received such clusters in this
wilderness, cannot but long for the full vintage in the heavenly Canaan.”
One of our favorite
at home date nights is two wine glasses of red wine, a tiny square of dark
chocolate, and some British TV. While this may not be your ideal date night,
you can appreciate the idea of relaxing and feeling satisfied in the presence
of one another and in His bounty. Date night isn’t just valuable because it’s
fun or a break, but it’s valuable because it give us a chance to sit together
as one flesh and take a breath and recognize the Spirit working in our lives
and moving in our marriage. Our marriage growing is the mirror for the bride
growing more and more into the head, which is Christ. Therefore date night
isn’t just an extra to be tacked on when we have time, it is the very work of the church.
The table of the
Eucharist also beckons us to partake in His fruits in a very real way. It
unites us with Him and one another. It gives us a foretaste, and we long for
that full vintage found in the New Creation. In longing, we also have
assurance, the Spirit is working, growing us, and growing the church. We wait
eagerly for the feast. We hunger for it, and for Him, and we will be filled.
*I'd love to see pictures or hear about your at home date night! Tell me about it in the comments or send a picture to deaconessheidi@graceplacewellness.org and I'll share it in blogs to come. :)
Labels: connection, growth, love, marriage
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