Life in The Spirit

Many Christians hear the words, “Holy Spirit” and immediately think, “born again”, which is true as far as it goes, but it doesn’t go very far.

The Spirit has a much broader skill set than just converting a man’s soul. He does do that, but He does a lot more besides.

When the Spirit comes upon Bezaleel, the result is beautiful craftsmanship (Exodus. 31:1-4). When the Spirit comes upon Samson, the result is power to tear apart a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:6). And When the Spirit falls upon Mary, she becomes pregnant.

The same thing is true about a king’s mojo.

Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. (1 Samuel 16:14)

When it says that the Spirit departed from Saul, we are not being told that Saul is losing his salvation. Instead, just as Samuel had warned earlier, what Saul was losing was his kingdom and the blessings of divine favour.

Years later, when David is repenting of his great sin concerning Bathsheba, and he cries out to the Lord, what does he ask for? He does not ask for his salvation back, but rather for the joy of his salvation back (Psalm 51:12).

And when David asks God to not take His Spirit away (Ps. 51:11), he is not imagining a state in which he is unborn again. David is asking that his dynasty and the blessings of God not fall to the ground as had happened for Saul.

David knows that this is what he deserves, just as Saul did. And so he asks for mercy, and he receives it.

Today, our Saviour sits upon the throne of David (Luke 1:32). He gives generously to all who ask. He is the one who sends the Holy Spirit into this world as our Helper.

That help comes to us in all kinds of ways and is not limited to our conversion.

He is there in our grief and our joy. He is there to increasingly govern our desires or our decision to buy a goat or marry a girl (and not the other way round). He is there when strength is needed in trial and temptation.

He brings to mind the things we are likely to forget. He guides us in our prayers, nudges the conscience, brings to mind the needs of others, and shields our hearts from fear.

The Spirit’s resume is extensive, but it all points in one direction. He does not speak of Himself but of Jesus as an all-satisfying Saviour and friend.

His work is to guide you in the word of God, show you the path, and free you to walk that path every day.