Devotion 19
In our churches today, we
must have the power of the Holy Spirit to be able
to do the work and ministry that Jesus Christ
commissioned us to do.
Jesus himself knew the importance of the Holy Spirit
power to carry on the Ministry He needed to complete. So, we should also seek
and long for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
Mark 1:9-15
9. At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
11. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
12. At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert,
13. and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
14. After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Him at Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
15. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
Jesus' ministry did not begin until He
received His "anointing" as Messiah--the empowering that came through the
descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him. Though conceived and born by the
Spirit's power, and sinless, His whole lifetime, He did not attempt ministry
without the Spirit's power. He insisted John baptize Him, not for
repentance, but because He knew the Holy Spirit would come upon at that
time. From that time, He is led of the Spirit and moves into ministry,
declaring the presence of God's kingdom and manifesting its miracles,
signs,and wonders.
This pathway points each believer to the need
for power, if kingdom ministry is to be advanced through us, His church.
Like Him, we too, are "born of the Spirit." Though obviously, our spiritual
birth is not as His biological Virgin Birth, the point remains Spiritual
rebirth saves, but spiritual enduement is needed for ministering in the
kingdom power. Similarly, our justification in Christ, being declared
sinless, does not qualify for kingdom power in ministry. In His incarnation
Jesus' Person and perfection exceeded ours in every way, yet Jesus still
acknowledged the need for His own receiving of the power of the Holy Spirit
to pursue His ministry. What more needs to be said? Let each of us
personally hear His command: "Receive the Holy Spirit!"
John 20:22
22. And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
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