emotions from the Holy Spirit

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

HolySpirit_BibleLuke 19:28-44.  Two emotions are expressed in this passage.  First, the spontaneous joy that the disciples felt as they introduced Jerusalem to its king.  When the Pharisees objected to this display, Jesus told them that “if these were silent, the very stones would cry out” (40).

Then, upon entering the city, Jesus breaks down and weeps for sorrow over the city.  He knows that they will reject their Messiah.  He knows the terrible ordeal they will suffer as the city is besieged and destroyed (43-44).

The Holy Spirit has many emotions.  There is a time to rejoice, but there is also a time to weep.

LORD, make us sensitive to how the Holy Spirit is working in each other.  May we not force each other’s expressions of worship.

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the business of the Holy Spirit

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

HolySpirit_BibleLuke 18:31-19:27.   In the parable Jesus told, the wicked servant is condemned by the nobleman because he did not do business with what was left with him.  What was this business, and why did Jesus condemn this generation for refusing to do it?  Notice that Jesus had interacted with two men on his way to Jerusalem: a blind beggar and Zacchaeus.  To both he brought deliverance.  He was engaging in the business of the Holy Spirit: bringing people into the coming kingdom.  Whenever we reach people with the gospel, release them from Satanic bondage, and reconcile them to God – we are doing business for our master.

LORD, no matter where we are heading, help us to stop and reach out to people in need on the way.  May we do the business of the Holy Spirit.

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The Holy Spirit and spiritual clout

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

HolySpirit_BibleLuke 18:1-30.   How much spiritual maturity does it take to enter the kingdom of God?  Jesus told his disciples not to rebuke the parents who brought even infants to him for his blessing.  He said “to such belongs the kingdom of God” (16). 

The widow in the parable (1-8)  had no clout that would cause this judge to hear her case, yet she faithfully persisted in seeking justice.  The tax collector had nothing to bring to the temple but his prayers for mercy (9-14).  The rich ruler had it all – except eternal life.  But he was not willing to give up his wealth (and the clout that came with it) for the kingdom (18-23).  The Holy Spirit cannot reside in a life dedicated to anyone else but Jesus.

LORD, forgive us for thinking that we can gain clout with you.  We draw near to you as infants, helpless and needy.

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the age of the Holy Spirit

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

HolySpirit_BibleLuke 17:11-37.   Jesus heals ten lepers, and only one comes back to give thanks.  Jesus takes note that this man is not a Jew, but a foreigner – a Samaritan.  His point is that the Jews should have recognized that the kingdom of God is presently in their midst (21).  But they are missing it.  Expecting an age of cataclysmic signs, they are missing the age of the Holy Spirit.  As in the days of Noah before the earth’s great flood – or the days of Lot before the destruction of Sodom by fire – it is business as usual.  Jesus was not denying that the day of his second coming would be cataclysmic.  He was lamenting the fact that the people who were asking for such a sign were not prepared for the judgment it will bring.

LORD, the sign we seek is for your Holy Spirit to work in our lives today, bringing us healing, release from bondage, and holiness.

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the Holy Spirit, the law, and the gospel

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

hsbLuke 16:1-17:10.   The rich men of Jesus’ day had created a religion that mocked the purposes of God.  They narrowly defined the law into traditions amenable to the rich alone, then forced strict obedience to that narrow tradition.  But Jesus said that mere duty makes someone merely a servant (17:7-10).

  1. He told a parable about a manager who was going to lose his job, so he made friends for himself so that he would be welcomed elsewhere once his livelihood was gone (16:1-9).  He was talking about Holy Spirit inspired evangelism – as opposed to just “doing the job” of obedience to the traditions.
  2. He told a parable about a rich man who is surprised to discover at death that he did not make it to Abraham’s bosom, but a beggar whom he had ignored as insignificant did.  Jesus’ point was not about the intermediate state, but that the rich man had the means to evangelize but he had stuck to his selfish interpretation of obedience – and thus lost everything.  His brothers had followed the same tradition, so they too were heading for disaster (16:19-31).

LORD, help us to make sharing the gospel with the lost a priority, and not to let our religious traditions get in the way of this work of the Holy Spirit.

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the Holy Spirit draws the lost

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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Luke 15.   In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to those who object to his acceptance of the tax collectors and sinners.  In each parable, someone seeks something lost [a sheep (3-7), a coin (8-10), and a son (11-32)].  In each, the lost is found and there is rejoicing (5,9,23).  Jesus experienced this joy over the rescue of the lost, and shared the joy with the Father and his angels in heaven (7,10). 

Evangelism gives us an opportunity to display the fruit of the Holy Spirit within us:

  1. love in seeking them out,
  2. joy when they respond to the gospel,
  3. peace that they are now reconciled to their judge,
  4. patience for all the times they refuse to hear the gospel, or respond to it,
  5. kindness toward them when they expect indifference or hatred,
  6. goodness when they mistreat us and expect retaliation,
  7. faithfulness in preaching the message of grace when they keep ignoring it,
  8. gentleness when they expect rebuke for their willful disobedience,
  9. self-control when they do things to provoke us.

LORD,  give us opportunities today to experience the joy of reaching the lost with the gospel – a joy we can share with you.

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renouncing all for the Holy Spirit

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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Luke 14.  Genuine discipleship is free to all by God’s grace.  It is bought by the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross, and offered freely to all by those who proclaim the gospel of the kingdom (24).  But we must accept the invitation.  If anything else about our lives is more important than the eternal destiny that the Holy Spirit offers, we are not there yet.  We have only room in our treasure houses for resources to support one project.  It will cost all we have to build the tower of God’s kingdom in our lives (28).  So, anyone who does not renounce all cannot be a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

The lawyers and Pharisees of Jesus’ day would not surrender their religious traditions or their social position (1-11).  Others had business or personal goals that they would not give up (18-20).  The Holy Spirit will not live in a house dedicated to another besides Christ. 

LORD, cleanse the temples of our lives so that they can be dedicated completely to you.

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the Holy Spirit–a limited time offer

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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Luke 13:10-35.   Jesus dramatically demonstrated his power to free people from Satan’s bondage when he healed the woman with a disabling spirit.  Yet the hypocrites in the synagogue refused to be set free from their bondage to tradition (10-17).

Jesus taught that the kingdom of God was there among them in his person.  He was one man – like a small grain of mustard seed or a pinch of leaven.  But his kingdom would expand and permeate wherever it touched (18-20).

However, the kingdom and the presence of the Holy Spirit who comes with it is a limited time offer – a narrow door that can easily be missed.  If people refuse this opportunity – suffering, shame and destruction in hell awaits – even if you are (like those synagogue hypocrites) physical descendants of Abraham (21-30). 

Jesus lamented over Jerusalem because they were missing their opportunity for salvation.  The next time they see him he will be coming in judgment.

LORD,  now is our time.  we repent of our sins and welcome your Holy Spirit. Use us to expand your kingdom.  May it permeate our lives.

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The Holy Spirit of disunity

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

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Luke 12:49-13:9.   The Holy Spirit does not always bring peace and unity.  Because he answers to the Son, whose kingdom he is setting up in this universe, he assists in dividing families and bringing discord.  His goal is not peace at any cost.  His goal is protecting people from divine judgment and destruction.

 

  1. He would rather divide families than see all of them destroyed with the fire that Christ will cast on the earth (12:49-53).
  2. He urges people to settle with the divine judge – even if it means disharmony with others (12:57-59).
  3. He demands that people repent of perish (13:1-5).
  4. His patience is limited (13:6-9).

Is your family loyalty keeping you from joining Christ’s kingdom?

LORD, we commit ourselves to you and your kingdom – regardless of what anyone else does.

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the Holy Spirit empowers kingdom seekers

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

HolySpirit_BibleLuke 12:13-48.   Luke had just recorded Jesus’ warning to his followers that they would be brought before the authorities and questioned because of their faith.  He told them not to be anxious because the Holy Spirit would give them the right words to say in their defense (12:11-12). 

In today’s text, Jesus warns against getting sidetracked by covetousness.  Again, Jesus tells them not to be anxious about their needs.  The Father knows what they need.  The Holy Spirit will provide (30-31).  He empowers believers to seek the kingdom (31), to give to the needy (33), to prepare for the master’s arrival (35-40), and to take care of their fellow servants (42-43).  By staying true to our master, we ensure entrance into the kingdom, which has been promised us by the Father.  It is our treasure stored up for us in the heavens (33).

LORD, help us to keep our eyes off our stuff, and on your stuff.

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