---UNITED TO GOD THROUGH CHRIST~~

---Throughout the centuries, people have grappled with the amazing mystery that believers enjoy union with God through Christ.-

~~For instance, Bernard of Clairvaux, a twelfth-century French monk, used the ordinary things of life to explain this wonderful truth. He noted how a drop of water seems to disappear into a glass of wine, taking on the wine's flavor and color. Or how a red-hot iron in a fire becomes indistinguishable from the fire's glow. Or how a beam of light transforms the air lighting it up.

Jesus promised to dwell in those who follow Him. During His last long conversation with His friends after they ate supper together, He assured them that He wouldn't leave them as orphans but would come to them (John 14:8). And that because He lives, they would live: "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you" (v.20). Just as Jesus and the Spirit dwell with the Father, so we are in Him, and He is in us.

No wonder we need illustrations from ordinary things. It's mind blowing to consider that God through Christ and the Spirit would dwell with us! What does this mean for us in our daily lives? Everything. With Jesus living within us, we find comfort when we face uncertainty and peace when we feel anxious. We can stop ourselves from over-reacting if someone slights us. We can speak out against injustice, using our voices for those who are oppressed.

Christ dwells in you [believers] spiritually. As you ponder that truth today, ask Him to show you how He can change you from within.--
--[Christ lives within His people, "Christ in you, the Hope of glory... -- Colossians 1:27 ]

---ODB/ABP