Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, July 26, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” (John 1:32–33).

Where Jesus is present, so is the Holy Spirit.

Let’s pick up where we left off yesterday. John is teaching, preaching, and baptizing in the Jordan River. He sees Jesus off in the distance and heralds His arrival on the scene as the One, who would take away the sins of the world. John further shares his experience where God told Him that He would confirm Jesus’ arrival with the sign of the Spirit. When the Spirit descended upon a Man and remained on Him, John was to recognize Him as the Messiah whom the angel Gabriel foretold in Daniel 9:25. It was the moment John had been waiting for. Jesus, the Savior of the world, was finally taking up the mantle of His public ministry.

So here’s the question: How do you know when the Spirit is at work in your life? How do you know that Jesus is present? Take your time and think about my question for a moment. We are living in a time when people are ascribing all sorts of foolishness to a move of the Spirit. However, what we get a glimpse of here is that Jesus and the Spirit are a package deal. Yes, John’s experience was a prophetic sign of Jesus entering upon His public ministry. Yes, it was a way for God to encourage John as he made way for the Messiah. This is true. But beyond this, we can see the blueprint of truth regarding all that is holy and righteous in our day. If you want to be certain you are on the right track, ask yourself, “Where is Jesus in this situation?” If you want to understand all that He commands, ask yourself, “Where is the Holy Spirit in this?” The Bible says, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:23–26).

Do you want to know if the relationship you’re in should advance to marriage? Is the Spirit present? Are you getting closer to Jesus as a result of your relationship? Should you watch that video you find so interesting? Does it conflict with the teachings of Christ as manifested by the Spirit? Do you want to give that brother or sister a piece of your mind? Is what you are planning to say edifying? Would Jesus sanction it? Would the Spirit empower you to say it? To some, this may seem a bit much, but the truth is that we are living in the time of the end spoken of in Matthew 24. And the greatest caution Jesus gave was that His people be not deceived. Deception is afoot in all areas of our daily life. Therefore, we must always retreat to that which Jesus teaches and the Spirit manifests through the ministry of the Word. If we do this, we will remain on track as we help others prepare for Jesus’ soon return.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)