Holy Spirit

May 18, 2015 by The Soaring Eagle 2 Comments

“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water.
But one more powerful than I will come,
the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

(Luke 3:16)

Reflection:
On next Sunday 24 June the Church celebrates the Day of Pentecost – on which the promised Holy Spirit was given by God to the followers of Jesus Christ. He transformed the lives of Jesus disciples and has continued to do so ever since.

John the Baptist is recorded in each of the four gospels as teaching that the one who would come after him would “baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” This teaching is particularly significant in that it is recorded in each of the gospels and at the very beginning of Jesus ministry. It is clearly intended to be taken seriously and to be seen as a major purpose of Jesus Himself.

Towards the end of His ministry Jesus promised that He would ask the Father who would “give you another Counsellor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16) who would be in us. He also cautioned His followers immediately prior to His ascension to “stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) This His disciples did, staying “continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:53)

Then on the never-to-be-forgotten occasion the Holy Spirit came.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:1-4)

This is the same Holy Spirit who has played such a significant role in the purposes of God and who is still available to believers today.

“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39)

Response:
Is the Holy Spirit a part of my life?

Prayer:

Thank You Father for the precious promise of the Holy Spirit. May we be completely open to His ministry and guidance. Amen.

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