Holy Spirit - Breath of Godنموونە

JESUS

David Livingstone, a missionary in Africa, once asked Charles Spurgeon, “How can you accomplish so much in one day?” “You forget, Mr. Livingstone,” Spurgeon replied, “there are two of us working.”

Question: Was Jesus able to heal, raise the dead, walk on water, and change water into wine because he was God or because he was filled with the power of the divine Holy Spirit?

The answer to this question has been debated by scholars and theologians for centuries. The hypostatic union of Jesus is mysterious; we don’t know if Jesus’ miracles were always a demonstration of his divinity or an example of what it looks like for a human to be led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Either way, this question should make us ponder—do we underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit?

Gordon Fee describes the Holy Spirit as “God’s empowering presence.” Jesus lived the perfect Spirit-filled life, and in Acts 1:8, he encourages his disciples to follow his example when he says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.”

Followers of Jesus have the Holy Spirit within them. There isn’t one Holy Spirit who filled and empowered Paul and the other apostles, and another, somewhat weaker and less effective Holy Spirit who fills us. For this reason, we have untapped power and potential available to us—if only we’re willing to ask for the Spirit’s help. The Holy Spirit indwells within Christians to nudge them, empower them, push them, and form them into the likeness of Jesus, and be his witnesses for his glory on earth (2 Peter 1:3; Colossians 1:11, 29).

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do the miraculous like Jesus, we can do incredible ministry like Spurgeon, and we can reach our potential in life. The Spirit wants to fill you and empower you for life, ministry, and mission. But for what purpose? Your glory? No. In John’s Gospel, Jesus said, “He will glorify me” (John 16:14). The Spirit’s aim is to glorify Jesus and not satisfy the cravings of our flesh to be powerful and successful.

Christian, may we live for Jesus. May we live like him, empowered by the Holy Spirit. May we fulfill our potential in life, not for our glory, but for Jesus’ glory.