Day 345: Movement of the Holy Spirit

Luke 3:21-38; Ezekiel 42-43; Isaiah 63

I think it is SO COOL that Jesus is born into a family whose lineage included David, Abraham, and eventually Adam. Of course he comes from that line!

The other thing that stands out to me in these chapters is the emphasis on the movement of the Holy Spirit. My intro to the book of Luke talks about how he made sure to mention it throughout. The Spirit is with John and gives him power. This same Spirit tells Simeon that the baby in front of him is Jesus. And when Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes upon him. It's like the promise of Jesus and Jesus himself opened the door for even more powerful movement by the Spirit. I don't know exactly how that works, but I think it is important for us to consider the movement and invovlement of the Holy Spirit in ours and others hearts and lives. How is God moving in our hearts? What is the Spirit encouraging us to do or not do?

I almost missed it! In these last few chapters of Ezekiel, he is being shown what the temple should look like. Who is showing him? A mysterious man who shines like bronze and carries a measuring stick. Who is this guy? Well he isn't an angel, or Ezekiel would have said that and described him differently. And he must not be a prophet of old, or Ezekiel would have said something like that. There is speculation that this "man" who shows up throughout the Old Testament, that doesn't have a name, but brings messages and is a powerful presence, is actually Jesus. They didn't know who he was because Jesus hadn't made his official appearance on earth, but that could be who he is. I think it's totally possible and totally cool.

In Isaiah he recounts God's goodness to his people. He rescues us. It bothers him to see us in trouble. He takes us in his arms and carries us. Yes, God can get very angry. He can be very destructive and judgmental. You don't have to read far in the Old Testament to see that. However, you also don't have to read far to see how abundant his love and concern for his people are. I truly believe that with every little ounce of anger he feels or demonstrates, his love overflows 10 times more.