TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 1:1-2; 2:7; Psalm 104:24-30
The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. - Job 33:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever tried to explain the wind? You can't see the wind, but you can feel it, either as a gentle breeze or as a gale-force storm. But what exactly is the wind? Where does it come from? Wind is a form of solar energy created when the atmosphere circulates around the earth. But even those who can explain the wind can't predict its behavior. Weather forecasters can tell us that it will be a windy day, but they can't tell us what exactly the wind will do at any given time of day or in any given place!

Scripture uses the image of wind to help us understand the Spirit. We can see the effects of the Spirit in people's lives, even though we can't physically see the Spirit Himself. In the Old Testament, the same Hebrew word, ruach, can be used to mean either “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit.” The same is true for the Greek word, pneuma, used in the New Testament.

We can see this overlap in the creation account. Genesis 2:7 tells us that after God formed Adam, He breathed the breath of life into him. Apart from this breath of life, the work of the Spirit, Adam wouldn't have been alive.

Notice also today's verse from Job, where the Spirit is described as the breath of God in words that echo Genesis 2:7. In Genesis 1:2 we are told that the Spirit was hovering over the waters. Here we have another image of the Spirit, like a hen brooding over her eggs, both to bring forth life and to protect the young chicks.

Psalm 104 extends our understanding of the Spirit and the creation of all living things. Here we see that when God takes away His breath or Spirit, creatures die (v. 29). Verse 30 tells us that the Spirit is active in both creating life and in renewing, or sustaining, life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In Life in the Spirit, Thomas Oden writes, “The Spirit of God moves to bring order from chaos, elegance from emptiness, making beautiful in its own way each creature touched.”

This also describes the Spirit's work in our new life as believers. Just as the Spirit hovered over creation to bring new physical life, so too He hovers over our lives, making us a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 63:7-14
I am with you . . . [as] I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains with you. - Haggai 2:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
On July 9, 2005, a special birth occurred. Initial photos showed a tiny pink object, weighing about four ounces, clinging to its mother. Weeks later, when the baby's eyes began to open, new photos emerged, and the public fell in love with Tai Shan—Panda fever began!

Because baby panda bears are so helpless, the mother must hold the baby next to her for its first few weeks, constantly suckling and licking the tiny cub, which squeals often and loudly!

This care and devotion helps us to picture God's grace and mercy with His children. Exodus 12-18 records how God powerfully rescued His people from bondage in Egypt. Centuries later, the prophet Isaiah reflected back on the Exodus in light of God's coming judgment upon the sinful nation Judah. Isaiah helps us to understand the Spirit's constant presence during the Exodus.

Today's passage begins with praise for God's numerous kindnesses on behalf of the house of Israel. Because God had called His people from Egypt as His very children, He expected that they would remain faithful to Him (v. 8 ). As He led them forth, their distresses became His very own distresses. Like a devoted parent, He lifted His people and carried them.

But instead of gratitude, God received rebellion! The Exodus account records that the Lord sent His angel before His people to guide them, sternly warning them not to rebel against this angel (Ex. 23:21). Yet the people did rebel, repeatedly, and Isaiah 63:10 shows that this rebellion was actually against the Holy Spirit. The consequences were horrific: God had to contend with His own people as He would with an enemy.

Despite this rebellion, God continued to deal with His people with grace and mercy, as today's passage shows. With the Holy Spirit in their midst, God led Moses and the people through the Red Sea and to a place of rest (vv. 11-14).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Isaiah 63 teaches us three important aspects of the Holy Spirit's work. First, He guides God's people. This is no less true today than it was during the Exodus. Second, our rebellion grieves the Holy Spirit. Paul identifies this rebellion as unwholesome speech, anger, bitterness, slander, and malice (Eph. 4:30). Finally, the Spirit leads us into God's promised rest. Just as cattle eagerly enter a grassy plain, so too the Spirit leads us into God's Sabbath rest (Heb. 4:9).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 31:1-11; 35:30-35
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. - Hebrews 1:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
The cathedral in Chartres, France, completed in 1223, is one of the most beautiful cathedrals ever built. Inside, a sense of lightness and soaring space was designed to draw one's eyes toward heaven. Stained glass windows portray Bible stories. Outside, ornate stone carvings depict Christ's glorious return. These medieval architects understood the power of the physical materials to portray the spiritual reality.

This is a very biblical perspective, as we see by looking at God's purposes for the tabernacle. As the people wandered through the wilderness, God commanded Moses to build a tabernacle where God could meet with His people. Today's passages record how the Spirit of God came upon two individuals, Bezalel and Oholiab, to give them the skills, abilities, and knowledge necessary to construct the tabernacle according to God's plan.

The instructions that Moses received from God for the tabernacle (outlined in Ex. 26) specify that its curtains were to be made of fine blue, purple, and scarlet linen with cherubim woven into them, and were to be hung with gold clasps. The supporting beams of the tabernacle were covered in gold. Inside the tabernacle, the altar of incense and the table of showbread were also covered with gold, and the lampstand was made of pure gold. But the most beautiful object was the ark of the covenant, inside the Holy of Holies, which was also covered entirely with gold. These were the objects that the Spirit of God came upon Bezalel and Oholiab to make, as well as all the tabernacle's other objects, made of silver, bronze, stone, and wood.

The tabernacle was exceedingly beautiful. But God's purpose was not just to construct a beautiful building. Instead, the tabernacle, constructed by means of the Spirit, gave a physical picture of God's holiness, glory, and order—a stark contrast to the barren desert all around! Located in the center of the camp, the tabernacle also showed that God was the center of every aspect of life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Spirit filled Bezalel and Oholiab to make beautiful objects that portrayed God's eternal glory and holiness. John Calvin wrote, “The tabernacle was a sort of visible image of God.” The fullest image of God, however, is revealed in Jesus Christ, as seen in today's verse from Hebrews. John 1:14 could be translated, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” Using a Bible dictionary, learn more about how the tabernacle and the account in Exodus 24-31 anticipate Jesus Christ, the radiance of God's glory.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 11:4-29
My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. - Exodus 33:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some people may think of the apostle Paul as a kind of lone ranger, always off doing his own thing. Nothing could be further from the truth! The New Testament records nearly one hundred individuals who were connected with Paul's ministry in one way or another. Although we can only imagine how Paul might have encouraged his coworkers, we get a glimpse of it in his words to the Ephesian elders: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God” (Acts 20:28).

Centuries earlier, Moses also learned the valuable lesson that he also needed Spirit-led leaders. All along, the Lord assured Moses of His presence, as today's verse records. Significantly, the Lord gave Moses this assurance just after the people worshiped the golden calf; today's passage follows another rebellious episode. After weeks of miraculous manna and supernatural water, the people complained because they had no meat! Their constant grousing brought Moses to the end of his rope, and he prayed that God would end his life right then and there!

The Lord heard Moses' real prayer (v. 14), and raised up elders to help Moses. These seventy elders weren't to minister in their own strength, so the Lord promised that the same Spirit that rested upon Moses would be on them.

The text doesn't explain why the elders prophesied or what they said (v. 25). Later, two elders, Eldad and Medad, who hadn't been at the Tent of Meeting, also prophesied when the Spirit came upon them. Perhaps this was a way of letting others know that the Spirit was indeed upon these men.

More important, Moses recognized that the Spirit wasn't limited to one individual, but was to be shared by all leaders appointed by God. This explains Moses' wish in verse 29; he knew that God's people could never have too much of the Spirit's leading.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we've seen, throughout the Old Testament the Spirit rested upon specific individuals for specific tasks. Yet Moses' wish (v. 29) anticipates the Spirit's coming at Pentecost. Since then, all believers receive the Holy Spirit at their conversion. Even so, it's right to pray that the Spirit would be with our spiritual leaders in a special way, enabling them to guide God's people with wisdom. Take time this week to pray for your pastor and other spiritual leaders.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 13:24-15:20
But [Samson] did not know that the Lord had left him. - Judges 16:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
The successes and scandals of televangelist Jim Bakker are well-known. By the early 1980s, the PTL Club had over twelve million viewers and Heritage USA was the third most popular theme park in the United States. Yet somewhere along the line, the Bakkers lost sight of the Lord. In 1989, Jim Bakker was convicted of fraud and tax evasion. A journalist wrote: “[The Bakkers] epitomized the excesses of the 1980s; the greed, the love of glitz, and the shamelessness.”

That comment could well apply to Samson, Israel's final judge. The book of Judges presents the following cycle. First, the people fall away from the Lord and are oppressed by foreigners. Then they cry out the Lord, who sends a “judge,” or deliverer. Once delivered, the people enjoy rest . . . until they rebel again.

In the midst of this depressing cycle, the Lord faithfully provided leaders upon whom His Spirit rested, such as Gideon, Deborah, and Samson. Samson's birth was a miracle, because his mother was barren. Despite being led by the Spirit early on (13:25), Samson was a man driven by his own lusts.

An ominous omission begins the Samson cycle—the people do not cry to the Lord for deliverance! Apparently they're content to live with the Philistines. Even worse, Samson wants to marry a Philistine instead of delivering the Israelites from them! Later, when he kills thirty Philistines, it's for his own revenge (14:19), not the Lord's name. The same is true in the incident involving the foxes.

It is also significant that Samson fails to give glory to God for his Spirit-enabled strength; when he kills a lion, he keeps the incident to himself (14:6). Later, when the Israelites bind their “deliverer” to hand him over to the Philistines, Samson takes credit for breaking the ropes, when it was clearly the Spirit's work. Although he eventually destroyed many Philistines (16:30), it was again for his own revenge. Samson's life is a sad picture of greed, glitz, and shamelessness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Of all the judges, Samson had the greatest potential, but his lack of concern for spiritual things and his misappropriation of God's gifts eventually caused the Lord to depart from him. After Pentecost, the Spirit no longer rests on individuals temporarily, but is always with a believer. Even so, it's still possible for a Christian to stumble badly. Thankfully, even after our most grievous, embarrassing, public falls, repentance and restoration is possible if we call out to the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalms 51:1-12; 139:1-12
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. - Psalm 143:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The story of Israel's first king, Saul, is perhaps the saddest in the Bible. Things started out well enough. First Samuel 9:2 says that Saul was “an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others.” When Israel demanded a king, Saul was anointed by Samuel and the Spirit of God came upon Saul in power (1 Sam. 10:10). But it became clear that Saul was not a man after God's own heart. Eventually the Spirit departed from Saul (1 Sam. 16:14) and he went insane.

The accounts of both Samson and Saul reveal a major difference between the presence of the Spirit in the Old and New Testaments. Prior to Pentecost, the Spirit rested on an individual temporarily for a specific task. Utter failure to obey the Lord could hasten the Spirit's departure. Most likely David had this frightening thought in mind when he wrote Psalm 51, which records his remorse and repentance after his adultery with Bathsheba.

Appropriately, David started out begging for the Lord's mercy. Despite his betrayal toward others, David realized that his greatest sin is against God (v. 4). He also realized that his only hope for restoration is the Lord's complete cleansing.

Furthermore, David understood that what he needed was a re-created heart and a renewed spirit, something only God can provide. Perhaps thinking of Saul, David pleaded that the Lord wouldn't take away His presence or His Holy Spirit. This plea represents the vast difference between David and Saul. David grieved for his sin and dreaded the possibility of life apart from God.

Psalm 139 rejoices that God's love is so deep that there was no place that we could go and not find His Spirit. Unlike the pagan gods of wood and stone worshiped by the surrounding nations, David knew that the Spirit of God could never be limited to one location.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's psalms offer tremendous encouragement regarding the Holy Spirit's ministry. First, He's intimately involved with holiness and spiritual renewal. Like David, we must confess our sins to the Lord and seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9). When we do, we can be assured that the Spirit will renew and restore us. Second, there's no place beyond the Spirit's reach, including areas of despair and trial in our lives. Our difficulties can't outrun the presence of the Spirit.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 2:1-15
Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit. - 2 Kings 2:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1937, missionaries were forced to leave southern Ethiopia because of World War II. They had reached the remote area of Wolayto only in 1928. Nine years later, there were only 48 converts, and they experienced brutal persecution because of their faith. Tears flowed on both sides as the missionaries were evicted, but they called out to their Wolayto brothers and sisters, “We are leaving you, but God is not leaving you!”

One man, Wandaro, a fearless evangelist, was singled out for torture and imprisonment in an attempt to stop the spread of the gospel. Despite near fatal beatings, Wandaro survived and his example brought many to faith. Five years later, missionaries were allowed to return and were amazed to find nearly ten thousand new believers in Jesus, many of whom heard the gospel from Wandaro! They never could have imagined the work that God would accomplish through him.

Elisha also needed to be reminded that although his spiritual mentor Elijah was leaving him, God was not. That probably explains why he asked for a double portion of the Spirit that rested upon Elijah. Having seen Elijah's great works, humble Elisha knew that unless God was with him, it would be impossible to carry on the prophetic office. God answered his prayer and was powerfully with Elisha, who obediently picked up and wore Elijah's mantle.

The parting of the Jordan gave full confirmation of Elisha's office, especially to the fifty other prophets who looked on. The restoration of Jericho's water supply showed that Elisha would heal many. Elisha's response to the youths, who were a kind of street gang, showed that blatant disrespect for God and His servants could not be tolerated. Although their mauling seems severe, it was necessary to prevent many others from harm.

Although Elijah did great things, Elisha did even greater things. This anticipated John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the greater work of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:7).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
No one anticipated the works that the Spirit performed through Elisha, just as no one anticipated what God would do through the Ethiopian evangelist Wandaro. Yet both show how God uses His servants to reveal His truth.

When we feel intimidated by a challenge or call, we can remember that we do not undertake it in our own strength. We should never underestimate what our Lord can do through us by means of His Spirit!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 2:1-3:15
The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. - 2 Samuel 23:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Peter Marshall, former U.S. Senate Chaplain, once prayed: “Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for—because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.” As a pastor and chaplain, his impact was tremendous. Following his death in 1949, the Washington Evening Star wrote the following: “Living and working in Washington only eleven years, the Reverend Dr. Peter Marshall nevertheless has left his mark upon the whole city. He was a man of contagious spirit, eager and alert, quick to see opportunities of service and to meet their challenge . . . he was a builder of the kingdom of God on this earth.” Above all, people remember him as a man completely led by the Spirit of God.

Yesterday we saw how the Holy Spirit worked miracles through His prophets; today we will see how the Holy Spirit speaks mighty words through His prophets. The prophet Ezekiel was led by the Spirit and was called to speak God's words, whether people listened or not (2:7). The Holy Spirit uses committed servants to direct people back to God.

Ezekiel 2 records the prophet's commissioning. His initial interaction with the Spirit impressed upon him one key point: apart from the Spirit, he could do nothing. Notice how the Spirit spoke to him, brought him to his feet, and transported him around. No wonder Ezekiel sat motionless for days when the vision ended (3:15). Given the scale and difficulty of Ezekiel's call, he knew that he had to learn to rely upon God's Spirit.

It was also essential that Ezekiel rely upon God's word, symbolized by the scroll that he was told to eat. He was then commanded to share this message from God with the exiles (3:11). In His mercy and grace, God also knew that Ezekiel would need a vision of His unmatched glory, which the Spirit also enabled him to see.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Spirit's work through the prophet Ezekiel was targeted to a specific point in redemptive history. There are several important lessons that we can learn from this account of Ezekiel's call recorded in Scripture. First, Ezekiel was completely dependent on God's Spirit. How often do we step forward to serve in ministry or to share the gospel not relying on the Spirit's power but our own strength? Second, we too must “eat” God's Word and depend upon it completely.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 42:1-7
Here is my servant . . . my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him. - Isaiah 42:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1832, a young German man and his wife arrived in Bristol, England, to pastor a small church. When two orphans were unexpectedly put into the church's care, a new ministry began. Although God sent more than seven million dollars to George Mueller's orphanage in the next sixty years, Mueller never lost sight of his role as God's servant.

He once wrote, “A servant of God has but one Master. It ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and great, and honored in that world where his Lord was poor, and mean, and despised.”

In our study on the Holy Spirit, we've seen His work of breathing life into creation, leading God's people, and filling God's leaders with wisdom and power. We've also seen how He directed the prophets and gave them God's words. Today we see the essential link between God's Spirit and service to God.

The first part of today's reading (vv. 1-4) is one of four passages in Isaiah that are called the Servant Songs, because they anticipate the suffering of the Messiah. Immediately we see that the title Servant is one of honor, not belittlement. This is the One who is fully able to carry out His God-given ministry of justice because God's Spirit is upon Him.

Unlike the powerful foreign conquerors of Isaiah's day, God's Servant wouldn't come with loud shouts in the street, nor would He crush the oppressed or discourage the faint of heart (v. 3). Rather this Servant would faithfully administer God's justice, even to the ends of the earth.

The rest of today's passage shows how God will use His Servant to bring salvation to the Gentiles, a process described as opening the eyes of the (spiritually) blind and freeing the captives (of sin). These verses ultimately describe our Lord, upon whom the Spirit rested completely; He was willing to suffer beatings, tauntings, and the humiliation of death on the cross on our behalf.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Throughout this week, read through three other Servant Songs: Isaiah 49:1-6; 50:4-9; and 52:13-53:12. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to show how much Jesus was willing to suffer for us. Meditate on how the Spirit equipped and empowered Jesus as our Suffering Servant. If your Bible lists cross-references, find those New Testament passages that show how Christ fulfilled these sections of Isaiah. You can also consult a Bible dictionary or handbook for these references.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Isaiah 11:1-9; 61:1-3
The Sovereign Lord has sent me, with his Spirit. - Isaiah 48:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, announced that he wanted all New Tribes Mission staff to leave his country, he expressed common negative attitudes toward missionaries. Some say that missionaries destroy native cultures, impose their own values on others, or eliminate indigenous languages. But the evidence suggests otherwise. Indeed, Wycliffe Bible Translators alone have translated at least a portion of the Bible into over 500 indigenous languages, which has had the result of preserving these native tongues. Missionaries have also brought medical care and education—particularly for women—to needy areas. Far from “destroying,” God has used His people to bring the gospel with its hope and healing to countries around the world.

As we see how the Spirit played a role in the prophecies about Jesus, we note that one of the surest evidences of the gospel is transformed lives, both individually and within communities. God has used Christians to build hospitals and schools, to reform prisons, and to minister to the needy and bereaved. These are all indications of the Spirit's work. Every aspect of this transforming power is perfectly seen in the person of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 11 and 61 contain two key prophecies concerning the work of Christ, predictions of the One whom God would use to bring salvation, justice, wisdom, and healing. We've already seen in the Old Testament that God's Spirit rested upon people, enabling them to do what would be impossible otherwise. Isaiah pictures the Messiah as One who would be completely infused with the Spirit and would rule with perfect justice, something no mere human could ever do. Moreover, His rule would be characterized by perfect harmony and security (Isa. 11:6-9). Through this individual, God would declare the good news of release from captivity (61:1). The year of the Lord's favor (61:2) probably referred to the Jubilee year, when debts were cancelled. More significantly, however, this “year” anticipated the arrival of Jesus the Messiah, through whom God cancelled the staggering debt of human sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Reread today's passages and list specific attributes predicted about Jesus, such as wisdom and fairness. Then consider how we as the body of Christ can manifest these same attributes. For example, how can Christians show justice to the poor or bind up the brokenhearted? The same Spirit that infused Jesus while He walked on earth now dwells within His body, the church. So as the gospel spreads, it continues to change lives and can even transform entire communities.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 36:16-30
On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. - Ezekiel 36:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
On October 30, 2005, nearly 60,000 people gathered for a celebration in Dresden, Germany. Sixty years after the city's famed cathedral was destroyed by Allied bombs during World War II, the church reopened for the first time. The original structure had remained in large piles of rubble, untouched, during nearly fifty years of Communist rule. Restoration began with Germany's reunification in 1990. With more than half of the necessary funds coming from U.S. and British donations, the church's restoration was hailed as a “great work in the spirit of reconciliation.”

The newly restored Dresden cathedral reminds us of God's work of spiritual restoration among His people. As we continue to look at the Spirit's role in the coming of Jesus, we turn today to Ezekiel 36 for some of God's promises to His people during their exile in Babylon. Speaking through Ezekiel, the Lord reminded His people that their terrible sin caused their exile (v. 16). Their bloodshed and idolatry so defiled the land that the Holy God could no longer dwell with His people. But along with this was the reality that the fact of His people living in exile instead of the Promised Land dishonored God's holy name among the nations, and for the sake of His name, the Lord promised that He would regather the nation and restore them to their land.

There was no point in bringing the people back to the land, however, unless they were cleansed of their impurities and idols (v. 25). But even this cleansing wouldn't last unless the people were radically changed. So the Lord promised to remake their very hearts, removing their stony, sinful hearts, and replacing them with new ones. We might think of this as a divine heart transplant operation! But even this wouldn't be enough, so God promised to put His own Spirit within His people so that they could truly obey His decrees and laws. Apart from such transformation, restoration would be utterly impossible. Once the nation was changed, God promised to restore it fully (vv. 28-30).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although the complete fulfillment of the promised restoration outlined in today's passage lies in the future, God gives us evidence of His restoration through the Spirit in our lives right now. First, God's work begins with the purification from our sins and anything that we trust in more than Him. Second, the Lord gives us a new heart and spirit. Third, He causes His own Spirit to dwell within us. Apart from this transformation, it's impossible to live lives that please Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 1:26-45
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. - Isaiah 9:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Photographers who develop their own film must enter a special darkroom where they roll exposed film on a special spool, which is immersed into various chemicals. Any light would ruin the film during this process. Even experienced photographers admit that their eyes never stop searching for light while working in this darkroom. That's because human eyes never fully adjust to complete darkness.

An even more profound darkness existed in the years before Jesus' birth. The Roman Empire ruled Palestine, and many Jewish religious leaders were corrupt. Devout Jews were straining in the darkness, hoping for some glimpse of light, just as the prophet Isaiah had predicted.

Among those devout Jews were Elizabeth and Mary. The first part of Luke 1 describes how Zechariah and Elizabeth found out that they would be the parents of John, who would go before the Lord and would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. The rest of Luke 1 announces an even more remarkable birth. It's natural that Mary was troubled at Gabriel's greeting. Not only was the sight of an angel overwhelming, but Mary was a young girl living in a poor village. In what way could she be highly favored?

Even more astounding was that her child would reign on the throne of David . . . forever. Interestingly, Mary didn't question Gabriel about this or seek a sign as Zechariah had done. Instead, she asked a logistical question: how could a virgin conceive a child? Gabriel's response showed that Jesus' birth was only possible because of the creative activity of God's Holy Spirit.

Jesus' birth was like no other human birth. The wording here echoes the description of the Spirit's work at creation, hovering over the formless void and then breathing life into Adam. Just as the first human's existence was possible only through God's direct involvement, so too the birth of the perfect human being, Jesus, was only possible through God (v. 37).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Luke's Gospel gives great attention to the Holy Spirit. Luke's account of Jesus' birth reveals the Spirit's involvement at every stage. Read through Luke 1-2, noting the role of the Holy Spirit. Notice how the Spirit fills Mary with tremendous faith, and fills Elizabeth with overflowing joy. These are evidences of the Spirit's presence in the life a believer. What other characteristics of the indwelling Spirit can you find? How are these reflected in your own life?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 3:11-17; John 1:29-34
After the baptism that John preached . . . God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. - Acts 10:37-38
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every four years, on January 20, the President of the United States is inaugurated, taking an oath to uphold the presidential office and the Constitution. Although the outcome of the November election determines who will be president, this individual doesn't officially become President until the inauguration. The inaugural oath and ceremony mark the official beginning of what has already been determined by election.

This provides a helpful parallel to Jesus' baptism. John's baptism of Jesus didn't in any way make Jesus the Messiah or qualify Him for His office. Jesus was already the Messiah, and John's baptism marked the public beginning and divine anointing of His atoning work.

Jesus has always been and will always be the Messiah. But since He was taking on human flesh fully, He needed to identify completely with humanity. His baptism showed His total dependence upon God's Spirit and power. It was only when John understood this that he consented to baptize Jesus (Matt. 3:15).

The Gospels make it clear that Jesus relied upon the Spirit before His public ministry began. But the Gospel accounts don't record any significant ministry or miraculous activity in Jesus' life prior to Spirit's descent and the public declaration of His divine sonship. Jesus' baptism showed that He willingly chose to depend on God's Spirit, even to the point of death. Recall how Isaiah predicted that God's promised Servant would be completely led by His Spirit, promises fulfilled in Jesus' life.

Notice that John's water baptism was inferior to the baptism that Jesus would perform with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33). There is a connection between John's baptism of Jesus and Pentecost (see Acts 2). At the first event, God showed His pleasure with His Son by sending His Holy Spirit. At the second event, God showed His pleasure with His Son's spiritual body—the church—by sending the Holy Spirit.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If Jesus, eternally God, humbled Himself to live fully dependent upon God's Spirit, how much more should the same be true for us, His followers? The Holy Spirit confirmed Jesus' ministry during His baptism. Have you ever embarked on a ministry project in your own strength and power without seeking the guidance of the Spirit? When we are following His call and living obediently to His commands, the Spirit will indeed confirm that our ministry is well-pleasing to Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 4:1-12
The Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. - Mark 1:12-13
TODAY IN THE WORD
The legendary Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War, “The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.” This also describes the tactic that our greatest enemy, Satan, uses in his spiritual warfare against humanity. Satan's strategy against Jesus in the desert—half-truths and cunning deception—is the same that he uses to this very day.

The first test concerns provision. Although Satan in some sense acknowledged Jesus' divine sonship, he tempted Jesus to take matters into His own hands, rather than trust the Father to provide. Jesus refused to enter into any discussion and instead quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3. The rest of this verse says that, rather than bread, we're to live on God's Word, which is exactly what Jesus was doing during the temptation.

The second test concerns power. Somehow Satan was able to show Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and offered them to Him. After his boasting, Satan slipped in the fact that to receive these kingdoms, Jesus would have to worship him in the process. Breaking the first commandment was clearly not something that Jesus would do, as His quote from Deuteronomy 6:13 showed. Besides, the Father would give all the kingdoms of the world to His Son, so Satan was actually tempting Jesus to avoid the cross and His redemptive work.

The third test concerns protection. Satan took Jesus to the highest part of temple, probably the Royal Porch, which overlooked the Kidron Valley, some 450 feet below. To jump from there meant certain death. Here Satan upped the ante by quoting Scripture himself (Ps. 91:11-12), but twisting it horribly. Jesus replied with Deuteronomy 6:16, clearly understanding that testing God is not the way to prove His protection.

Jesus' complete faithfulness to the Father in this trial anticipated His faithfulness on the cross, the event that meant Satan's decisive defeat.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Satan tests us in the same area in which Jesus was tested—our faithfulness to God. Today's passage shows that responding in faithfulness depends upon knowing God's Word. As we learn His Word, the Spirit brings it to our attention at just the right moment. Are you growing in knowledge of the Word? If you aren't already in a Bible study or Sunday school class, consider joining one this month. In addition to your daily Bible study, you'll grow from studying the Word with other believers.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 4:13-30
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. - Luke 4:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Pastor John Ross from First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, once quipped, “What's the definition of a ”˜church expert?' Anyone who lives more than 45 minutes away from your church!” He went on to tell about an experience he'd had before a weekend retreat. It was common to bring in a well-known speaker, but on this occasion Pastor Ross was to be the speaker. A church member who was trying to decide if she should attend called with her concerns: “That seems like a lot of money for a weekend retreat . . . it might be different if there was going to be a really dynamic speaker, but it's just you leading it, right?”

Jesus could relate to this experience. Soon after His baptism, Jesus returned home and went to the local synagogue. During the service, it was customary to read two Scripture passages. Afterwards, someone would give a sermon, often based on these readings. After Jesus read from Isaiah 61, the people would have expected Him to start preaching.

In a sense, that's exactly what He did, in perhaps the shortest sermon ever heard in that synagogue! Through the words of Isaiah, Jesus announced that He was the One who had been anointed by the Spirit for God's ministry to the poor and oppressed. Although many listening may have been financially poor, their greater poverty was their spiritual condition, as seen in their response to Jesus.

At first, the townspeople were amazed by Jesus' words. But when they remembered that He was just a local boy, they weren't quite so sure. The proverb that Jesus repeated to them (v. 23) showed that they wanted Jesus to prove Himself by doing there in Capernaum the miracles and signs that they had heard He had done elsewhere. Rather than comply with their desire for Him to put on a show, Jesus indicated that the spiritual poverty in Capernaum was similar to Elijah's time, when the prophet could only perform miracles for Gentiles outside Israel, because of the Israelites' great disbelief.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In what ways might we be like the people in Capernaum, who wanted amazing miracles or show-stopping signs from Jesus instead of the Spirit-led One who fulfilled God's Word? It's true that the Holy Spirit can do miraculous works for the glory of God, but His work in our lives usually seems more ordinary—helping us understand Scripture, convicting us of our sin, recalling to mind the spiritual truths we need. We must not ignore this work of God in the pursuit of flashy experiences.