The Holy Spirit, or Spirit of God, has always existed. In Genesis 1:12 we learn, “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.”
In the Old Testament the Spirit came upon individuals temporarily and selectively and gave life, courage, strength, guidance, physical power and boldness. This included:
Gideon: “Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon.”
Samson: “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson.”
Ezekiel: “The Spirit entered me when He spoke to me and set me on my Feet.” Ezekiel 2:2
Job: “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4
And more including Micah, Nehemiah, and Isaiah
In the New Testament, the Spirit dwells in believers permanently.
This was prophesied in Joel 2:28-29, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy.”
At Pentecost, the prophesy was fulfilled:
“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[a] as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts of the Apostles 2:2-4
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as recorded in John: “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” John 14:15-17
We are so blessed to have the Holy Spirit living in us as believers! It’s incredible to know that the same Holy Spirit who moved in creation, inspired prophets, and empowered kings, lives in us. Praise God!
No comments:
Post a Comment