Renewable Energy
by Malcolm Wood
The other day I was looking at a leaking kettle. I began to think how we, as Christians, `leak` and how Paul encourages the Ephesians to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
Bible scholars tell us that the original meaning of the term `be filled`, as used here by the Apostle, means to be continually being filled. As we daily operate in the power of the Holy Spirit, seeking to be the light and salt in the world that Jesus requires us to be, and endeavouring in some way to demonstrate the character of Jesus, we expend spiritual energy, which needs to be replenished.
Paul explains to the Christians at Corinth why this is so, when he says that, `the light and power that now shines within us – is held in perishable containers, that is in our weak bodies` (2 Corinthians 4:7). Is it any wonder, then, that we need regular refilling? Paul, at another time, prays for the church at Ephesus, when he says `I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through the Holy Spirit` (Ephesians 3:16).
As Christians, we have continual access to a limitless resource of power for fulfilling God`s purposes here on earth. Another of Paul`s prayers describes this power- `I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God`s right hand in heavenly realms` (Ephesians 1:19-20).
I recently saw a video clip of an aircraft being refuelled in flight. This operation enables the plane to continue its journey and extends the range of its mission. We have a similar facility available to us in the spiritual realm as we regularly pray the words of that familiar chorus:
`Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me. Melt me, Mould me, Fill me, Use me`. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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