The Holy Spirit as Seal
Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 1:12-22
He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
In the ancient world, a seal was usually made by etching or carving the symbol or name of an important person on a piece of stone or other hard substance, and it was pressed into wet clay or soft wax to leave an impression representing that person. A sealed object or document conveyed authenticity, authority, and ownership.
In our reading for today, the apostle Paul uses the image of a seal to convey the Holy Spirit’s role in marking us with God’s ownership. In his sealing work, the Holy Spirit communicates deeply in our hearts that we belong to God and that nothing will ever separate us from his love (see Romans 8:35-39). The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives serves as God’s mark on us, as well as a guarantee that in belonging to God we will blossom and flourish as we grow in our walk with Jesus.
Do you ever feel lonely? Do you sometimes have doubts? Do you sometimes even wonder if God loves you? Take comfort and courage today in knowing that you have God’s seal on your heart; you have the Holy Spirit’s presence not only as a mark but also as an assurance that he will never leave you or forsake you.
God, you have sealed our hearts with the Holy Spirit. In our fears and our doubts, may your Spirit speak to us and through us so that we may know and share the love of Jesus. In his name, Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!