My women’s Bible study group is reading the book, The Forgotten God, by Francis Chan. Many of us have commented that this topic, a study of the Holy Spirit, seemed intimidating. Some of us worried it would be dry or even boring. Yet, each week we marvel at the new insights we are gaining. The Holy Spirit is a precious and powerful gift that Jesus left behind to comfort, encourage, strengthen, convict, and testify on behalf of those who love Him.
“But now I am going to him who sent me … But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:5,7)
Why is it so easy to overlook the importance of the Holy Spirit? In my own life, I think it is because the idea of the Holy Spirit is so challenging to wrap my head around. I can picture God the Father because I know what a good and loving father is. I know Jesus because I can pick up my Bible and read first-hand narratives on his life. I can even read His words spelled out in red ink on the pages. But the Holy Spirit? The word “Spirit” conjures up something wispy, ethereal, beyond human experience and understanding.
While the Holy Spirit is indeed a Spirit that dwells within us, Francis Chan points out that the Holy Spirit is a person. And this has brought new life to my mental picture of the Holy Spirit. Consider these three attributes of the Spirit:
Emotions
The Holy Spirit experiences grief, as depicted in Ephesians 4:30: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Furthermore, the words of Romans 8:26 are vivid with emotion, “…the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” I rely on this aspect of the Holy Spirit when I have run out of words, or just don’t even know what to ask for.
Presence
The Spirit has been present since before the universe was created as seen in Genesis 1:2: “The earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
That same Spirit, present at the time of Creation, is alive and at hand today. As the psalmist states, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8)
Gift Giver
It is the Holy Spirit who not only works in us to produce the fruit of the Spirit, but who purposefully chooses which spiritual gifts to entrust to each one of us. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” (1 Corinthians 12:4)
A more in-depth description of these gifts is found in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11:
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
I have been especially touched by picturing the Holy Spirit as the distributor of spiritual gifts. Chan talks about the fact that some spiritual gifts are “flashy” or “shiny.” They stand out in a crowd. It may be tempting to look at someone with the gift of prophecy or healing and feel that my own abilities pale in comparison. However, when I think of the Holy Spirit lovingly choosing which gifts to entrust to me, I realize it would be a great sign of ingratitude to reject those gifts as not being “important” or “dazzling” enough. I would not toss aside a gift that a loved one has invested in thinking about, choosing, purchasing, wrapping, and joyously presenting to me. So too, I want to accept, cherish, and delight in the gifts specifically chosen for me by my Creator.
Knowing our gifts are hand-picked for us by the Spirit can be especially comforting in times of transition. At these times, we may need a reminder that God has a purpose for our lives. Indeed, the Holy Spirit has lovingly equipped us with the gifts necessary to carry out that purpose.
Dear God, thank you for the gift of your salvation purchased for us through your Son. Thank you for leaving us your Spirit. Help us to not overlook the powerful gift His presence means to our lives. Amen.
I love to hear what you’re learning about the Holy Spirit. He is so generous to bless us with gifts and I pray that I will bear fruit that is good and plentiful, not because of me, but because of His abundant grace.
I love that verse about how He intercedes for us; we sure need that! And also it’s cool to imagine Him hovering over the waters.
Thank you for these insights today.
(smiley kiss face)
Precious Leah–you are a gift! Love you!