VerseFor he [John the Baptizer] will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.
— Luke 1:15 tniv
ThoughtSeveral of the Old Testament prophets — Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel — had spoken of God's coming time when the Holy Spirit would be active and present for all people. Luke is the gospel that most clearly picks up on this theme and tells the story of Jesus with a strong emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. As we move this next week through what we normally call the Christmas season, listen to Luke's emphasis on the importance of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' coming. From his forerunner, John the Baptizer, through every step of his conception, birth, and ministry, Jesus' life is tied to the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptizer is the promised forerunner who prepares the way for Jesus. He is filled with the Holy Spirit from his conception. Jesus' coming is the work of God. This work begins even before Jesus is conceived in the womb of Mary. We are reminded that greatness in God's Kingdom is defined by our willingness to live for Jesus and be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit.
PrayerAlmighty God, you have revealed yourself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While I do not claim to comprehend the depth and fullness of this truth, I thank you that you have worked in our world in marvelous ways to reveal yourself and make your presence known. I thank you, Abba Father, for creating me and knowing me and revealing yourself to me in Jesus and living within me through the Holy Spirit. I offer myself to live for you and be filled and led by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2015. All rights reserved.
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— Luke 1:15 tniv
ThoughtSeveral of the Old Testament prophets — Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel — had spoken of God's coming time when the Holy Spirit would be active and present for all people. Luke is the gospel that most clearly picks up on this theme and tells the story of Jesus with a strong emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. As we move this next week through what we normally call the Christmas season, listen to Luke's emphasis on the importance of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' coming. From his forerunner, John the Baptizer, through every step of his conception, birth, and ministry, Jesus' life is tied to the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptizer is the promised forerunner who prepares the way for Jesus. He is filled with the Holy Spirit from his conception. Jesus' coming is the work of God. This work begins even before Jesus is conceived in the womb of Mary. We are reminded that greatness in God's Kingdom is defined by our willingness to live for Jesus and be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit.
PrayerAlmighty God, you have revealed yourself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While I do not claim to comprehend the depth and fullness of this truth, I thank you that you have worked in our world in marvelous ways to reveal yourself and make your presence known. I thank you, Abba Father, for creating me and knowing me and revealing yourself to me in Jesus and living within me through the Holy Spirit. I offer myself to live for you and be filled and led by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2015. All rights reserved.
