Rauch Elohim, Breath of Life, Spirit of Wisdom, Spirit of Grace, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of Glory, Spirit without Measure, the Holy Spirit, God the Spirit are all manifestations of an infinite and awesome God.
This past year has been an enlightening and transformational year for me as a father, husband, and above all witness for God. I made an intentional commitment to learn more about who I am and how God can use me for His glory. Through this expedition of self-reflection I have read several books on how to realign myself with God and understand His purpose. One particular book that has had an impact on me is Forgotten God by Francis Chan. This book reawakens the mind and allows the reader to recognize the Holy Spirit presence in our lives. It actually changes the way I see the Holy Spirit, not as passive being, but a dynamic and powerful presence of God: God the Spirit. In reading Luke 12, I have a more deep appreciation and awe for the magnitude that God the Spirit works.
Luke 12:8-12
8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
This chapter has many powerful messages and it is sometimes hard to discern what to focus on (according to the ESV Version): 1.) Jesus Speaks Against Hypocrisy, 2.) Have no Fear, 3.) Acknowledge Christ before Men, 4.) The Parable of the Fool, 5.) Do Not Be Anxious, 6.) You Must Be Ready, 7.) Not Peace, but Division, 8.) Interpreting the Time, and 9.) Settle with You Accuser.
Revisiting and reflecting on this chapter this week I have become aware of an important portion on the Word, which is hidden in verse 10-12. In this small space so much is revealed. Jesus is clarifying how the power is manifested in the Trinity. He states that as a human and advocate for us, that he is somewhat insignificant compared with the Holy Spirit. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. This for me is truly profound. The God in flesh is saying that the most severe sin that would not be forgiven is to speak against and deny the existence of the Essence of God, the Spirit of God.
With this new knowledge, I question myself and ask the question, “Have I blasphemed the Spirit? Have I not acknowledged the power of the essence of God?”
The Spirit of God has many names. The Spirit of God is present in the works of God. The Spirit of God is present in our lives. The first expression of the Spirit is Genesis 1:2: The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. This same Spirit that has been working since before the creation is manifested and working within each of us. When we recognize the presence of the Spirit and the power that He has in us, we are affirming that we are in connection with the Spirit.
My prayer is that as we continue to grow in our journey to know God the Father and God the Son, we be more sensitive to the presence of God the Spirit and allow Him to dynamic in our lives. Be Blessed.