THE
HOLY SPIRIT
Luke 24:36-49
36 As they were talking about
these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace to
you!" 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a
spirit. 38 And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts
arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch
me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I
have." 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his
feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marvelling, he said
to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of
broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 Then he said to them,
"These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that
everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms
must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the
Scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ
should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance
and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning
from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am
sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are
clothed with power from on high.
"Salvation occurs when we
trust Jesus as our Saviour--He forgives us, transforms us, and sees us as
righteous. In that moment, we are redeemed, and though we continue to struggle
with sin, it is a defeated foe. Then as time goes on, our service, gifts, and
love for Him should naturally become greater.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians
sit in church week after week, going through the motions yet lacking passion
and failing to grow. How is such a thing possible? Tragically, many believers
are unaware of the essential ministry of God's Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a member of the
Trinity and co-equal with God the Father and God the Son. The opening chapter
of Scripture tells us that He existed before the formation of the earth and in
fact participated in creation (Gen. 1:2, 26). Today, He has the critical role
of helping and counselling all believers.
The Holy Spirit is a gift to every
child of God. His presence within us isn't something we have to earn or
acquire. Rather, it is a marvellous privilege--by indwelling our hearts, He can
guide and strengthen, steering each believer away from danger and into truth
(John 16:7-8). Scripture tells us that Jesus came so we could experience a full
life (John 10:10). This is possible only when we listen to His Spirit and obey.
Are you experiencing the abundant
life Jesus promised? He wasn't talking about happy circumstances but rather the
joy and contentment possible through a relationship with Him. If you're lacking
in this area, consider your understanding of the Holy Spirit, and pray to be in
tune with His promptings.