Then He came to the place where John had been baptizing people alongside the river. As John caught hold of Who approached he said, “behold the Lamb of God! Who has come to take away the sins of the world (John 1: 29 ESV).”
Wow, what a marvelous witness to the people of Israel! John announced the Lamb of God! He knew Him to be so, because he saw the Spirit descend and rest upon Him. And to that display did John bear witness (John 1:31-34 ESV).
The glorious baptism of Jesus. The day the heavens rent and the Spirit of God descended to Earth and rested on Him… He came and has not left yet. He is still brooding over Creation. But much like Jesus’ disciples, sometimes we miss it. One translation that I read almost two decades ago said it this way, they had not yet been received into the Spirit (John 7:39). Today’s translations spell it out a bit differently, “for as yet the Spirit had not yet been given (John 7:39 ESV).” But make no mistake, Holy Spirit’s introduction on the river banks of Jordan caused a shaking in the heavens that sent the shivers through resident principalities.
Jumping forward to the Lord’s ascension, we catch up with Jesus commanding His disciples and followers to hang in Jerusalem unto they receive His gift and become empowered (Luke 24: 49). John adds that as Jesus breathed upon them, the disciples, they would receive His Holy Spirit (John 20:22).
Suddenly, the sound of a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the place where the disciples were meeting. Then they saw tongues of flaming fire resting over them and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2: 2-4 ESV). Just like Jesus meeting John on the river banks, the Spirit once again rested, He was home.
Have you ever walked up to a house or a building, walked around it, studied it, or waited outside it’s doors? At the moment you arrive you are at your destination, but its not until the doors are opened and you walk inside, that you are received into it. Then commencing in the activities you received your fill of it. In a similar way so was this time with the apostles and us. We can bear witness to His working, see His manifest presence, we can even receive Him. But it is when we sit and dine with Him, that we are filled up!
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. Today’s story is one that is birthed from a desire for more of Him. Getting to know Him more is my great desire. Matthew 6: 33 Seek first the Kingdom of God…
Happy Easter!
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