Verse
And the child [John the Baptizer] grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Thought
This verse doesn't speak directly to the work of the Holy Spirit. Yet Luke uses it as a contrast between John and Jesus — "And the child [Jesus] grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him" (Luke 2:40). While Jesus grew in every way like any other little boy, Luke is careful to make sure there is no sense of his growing in spirit or Spirit. The Holy Spirit is active in Jesus from his miraculous conception through the rest of his life. This may not seem like a major concern, but to use the language of Matthew 1:23, Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, from the moment of his conception through his death and through his resurrection. Jesus is God in human flesh, experiencing everything we as humans face and getting himself dirty with the realities of life we endure. This truth reminds us of the sacredness of our humanity and the graciousness of God in Jesus, "Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:6-7).
Prayer
Almighty God, my Abba Father who lived among us in Jesus and who lives in us through the Holy Spirit, I thank you and praise you for your grace. Thank you for choosing to be near us: near us in Spirit and also in mortal flesh through Jesus. Thank you for such kindness and redeeming love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.