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INSTRUCTIONS:
Read the Bible verses related to each devotion.
Then follow the actions and prayers for yourself and a nonbeliever at the bottom of the page.
READ: EPH. 1:13; EPH. 4:30
A seal is a device (with a personal identification or picture) for making an impression in wax, clay, paper, or some other medium, including an embossment on paper. The original purpose was to authenticate a document and protect its contents. For example, if a person was conducting business, or sending a letter, they would close the document, place warm wax or clay over the opening, and then use their signet to stamp their identity over the seal.
Not only did it show who had written the document, but it also protected the contents. If the seal was opened beforehand, then the receiver would know that the letter had been tampered with. Today, we have many similar systems in place. For instance, notaries stamp their “seal” on a piece of paper identifying that they have witnessed the transaction. Also, a modern day envelope is sealed, and the cover of a container or package holding valuables or other objects is sealed. But what does it mean to be “sealed by God?”
Israel spent over 400 years of slavery in Egypt. God heard their cry for deliverance, and He sent Moses as the spokesperson for God to do amazing signs and wonders, defeating the gods of Egypt through a series of plagues. Afterward, the people of Israel were freed so they could journey to the promised land. The last and final plague was the angel of death, which would kill all the firstborn in the land. The people of Israel were spared, only because they obeyed God and “sealed” their doorposts with the blood of a lamb. Then the angel of death would passover their home and go on to the next house. Therefore, the Israelies were saved because they were sealed by the blood of the lamb. In the same way, we are sealed by the blood of Jesus.
John the Baptist, when describing Jesus to his disciples declared, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). John understood that Jesus was the “Lamb” and He was “from God.” Jesus took the place of the lamb in the Passover celebration as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. He was the “heavenly lamb.” We are “sealed” as the blood of Jesus covers the door of our hearts. Just as Israel was spared from the angel of death, now we are freed from eternal death, and we are sealed unto the day of redemption.
The Apostle Peter rightly declared, “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:18-20). Peter knew that Jesus was that Passover Lamb, which takes away all the sins of the world. But what if you feel absolutely worthless? What if you feel like your sin is bigger than God’s blood?
The devil is a liar, a thief, and violently wicked. He is a roaring lion seeking to kill any and all. The biggest thing that he tries to do is get you to sin, turn from God, and live miserably. I know so many unhappy people, who have had absolutely horrible things done to them. As a result, they think they might not be able to overcome and live free in life. Also, many people do painstakingly horrible things they completely regret. The pain of this can overwhelm us all.
Consider the pain of the Psalmist in:
Psalm 116:3-4
"The pains of death surrounded me,
And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
I found trouble and sorrow.
Then I called upon the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!”
Pain is not the end. The psalmist goes on to write that Jesus is gracious and merciful and longs to give your soul rest.
Psalm 116:5-7
"Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you."
God is merciful in that He does not give you what you deserve; He washes you clean from yucky feelings. He is gracious in that He blesses us when we don’t deserve it; He gives us power to overcome the past and enter into His plans. He is amazingly good! How? He loves us and His blood has the power to set us free. How does His blood actually set you free?
Remember, everyone sins and our sin leads to death. But God made a way for your redemption—He is merciful and gracious. By faith we believe the Holy Spirit administers the Blood of Jesus (Heb. 9:14), which takes you from the realm and authority of satan unto the leadership of the kingdom of God who separates you from your past sins. The Blood is for your redemption and pardon. Next, it delivers you to live as a new creation. Then His blood makes you alive forevermore. (Hindrances to faith: there is no unworthiness, ignorance, or helplessness that can bring doubt and overpower His Blood.)
In the Old Testament when you sinned, God provided a way for your redemption by animal sacrifice. In the New Testament when you sin, Jesus’ blood redeems you. He is the perfect sacrifice. His Blood is the most powerful blood. Jesus’ blood has the power to cover ALL sin (1 Jn. 1:7).
How does Jesus’ blood have power, PARDON, DELIVERANCE, and LIFE FOREVERMORE?
First, God said He put power in the blood and provided atonement (PARDON) for your sin which would be made by the blood (Lev. 17:11,14). God said it, so it is TRUTH.
Second, LIFE is in the blood (Lev. 17:11); God put the life of a person, power to exist physically, inside of your blood. Jesus’ blood has the “Son of God” inside it (Acts 20:28). Jesus’ blood has God inside it, therefore, it is dominant. He chose to take your sins. He did this by shedding His LIFE BLOOD and redeeming you, making you a new creation (DELIVERANCE) (1 Pt. 1:2).
Third, by His blood He entered the most Holy Place (Heb. 10:19-22) and His blood still speaks/intercedes for you today (Heb. 12:22-24). He made a way for you to live (ALIVE FOREVERMORE). You will be a king and priest to God, reign with Jesus in bridal love and enjoy His pleasure—forever (Rev. 1:6; Rev. 19:7; Ps. 16:11). Paul, who at one point was a criminal of the cross, beautifully shares about this powerful truth.
Eph. 4:30
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Paul, was teaching the early church about the Holy Spirit and our hearts being “sealed” for the day of redemption. What was Paul declaring? When we say yes to Jesus as our Savior, God the Father puts His seal upon us. We are identified as His, and we are preserved for the day of His second coming. We identify as children of the Father in Heaven. The Father does not want us to be alone, so He sends the Holy Spirit as our counselor and guide to protect us.
So, this is your powerful testimony today. If you have said yes to Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, then you are sealed by your heavenly Father in heaven—and the best is yet to come.
ACTION4U
Look in the text again. Find a place that the Holy Spirit highlights to you (where is He drawing you). Read it again. Let the truth transform your heart.
PRAYER4U
“Father, I thank You for the truth (read the truth that the Holy Spirit drew you to). [PUT YOUR HANDS OVER YOUR HEART]. Help me to believe this truth. Seal my heart with Your saving grace. Draw me away in love.”
ACTION4ONE
The Father desires to seal their hearts in love. So today say hi and try to tell them a joke (text them or tell them in person). A joke is a great way to break the ice and get someone laughing.
PRAYE4ONE
“Father, I know that You love_______. I know that You want to seal their hearts with Your precious blood. Father, I ask today, that You would break the chains that are keeping them from You. Father, fill them with Your amazing grace. Father show them Your mercy; show them Your grace; show them Your saving LOVE—seal them in Your precious blood.”
Have you been blessed by this and want to be a blessing?
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