Wednesday, January 21st

Let’s take a look at another instance of the Spirit in the Old Testament and I’m fascinated by this one. Notice one of the first people in the OT that is filled with the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 31:2-7- 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri… 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts… to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent - Bezalel, a craftsman, was filled with Ruahk, the breath of God, to create, not only create, but to create the ark of the Covenant, the designed place of God’s presence amongst them.

Here we see the Spirit empowers his own human abilities; the Spirit of wisdom, understanding and knowledge. The Spirit gave guidance to Bezalel in his every day for a greater purpose. How could the Spirit do that for you, in whatever occupation or opportunity that is before you?

Fast-forward to Isaiah 11:1-2- A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—

This is a prophecy of the coming of Jesus. The imagery is from the family line of David, capital “B” for a proper name. But notice, the ruakh will rest on him, cover him and it will be a Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge. That Jesus was covered, filled with ruahk, the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, empowered him to do all that he did.
Then we can fast-forward to Jesus’ life, because this was the promise from Isaiah. Notice Matthew 1:20- Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Greek word is pnuema- breath, wind, power).

Matthew 4:1, Luke 4:1- Jesus was led by the Spirit.
Luke 4:14, 18-19, John 3:34- Jesus was empowered by the Spirit.
John 5:19-20, 30, 14:10- Jesus was taught by the Spirit and obeyed the Spirit. If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit, don’t you think we do?

I shared this prayer at the end of service and I know a handful of you have asked for it. But I think it is a good time to share it because this prayer is a prayer of invitation, inviting more of the Holy Spirit, even as we strive to understand more. Sit with the Triune God around this prayer.

Holy Spirit, radically expand my understanding of who You are. Help me see your personality and role as my Helper like never before. Help me to never again limit Your presence, power, or voice in my life. I pray this for myself, my family, and Your entire Church. In Jesus’ name, Amen