The Holy Who?

One day while studying for a message, I read the words Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit: comforter and friend. I recall having this wonderful realization: “I know that Person.”

That was three decades ago. I no longer think of the Holy Spirit as the Holy Who. I now call Him our Heaven-Sent Helper. He is the ally of the saint. He is our champion, our advocate, our guide. He comforts and directs us. He indwells, transforms, sustains, and will someday deliver us into our heavenly Home.

He is the executor of God’s will on earth today, here to infuse us with strength. Supernatural strength. Was this not the promise of Jesus? He would not let His followers begin their ministries unless they knew the Holy Spirit. 

Don’t begin telling others yet — stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from Heaven. — Luke 24:49 TLB

By this point the disciples had spent three years in training. They had sat with Him around campfires, walked with Him through cities, witnessed Him banish disease and command demons. They knew His favorite food, jokes, and hangouts. But they were not ready. They’d seen the empty tomb, touched His resurrected body, and spent forty days listening to the resurrected Christ teach about the Kingdom. But they needed more.

You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. — Acts 1:8 NKJV 

Mark it down.

The Holy Spirit comes with power.

Power to make good choices, keep promises, and silence the inner voices of fear and failure. Power to get out of bed, get on with life, get busy about the right things in the right way. Power to face the unexpected, unwanted passages of time. Power. This is what Jesus promised then, and this is what Jesus promises still.

How is your power level?

Perhaps you have all the power you need. Life is a downhill stroll through a pleasant meadow. You never lack energy, enthusiasm, or strength. Your step has a spring to it; your voice has a song to it. You are ever the joyful, empowered person. If that describes you, can I recommend a book on honesty?

If that doesn’t describe you, consider the possibility of a life-giving relationship with the Holy Spirit.

No more walking this path alone. No more carrying weight you were not intended to bear. It’s time for you to enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit and experience the vigorous life He offers.

Your Bible makes more than a hundred references to the Holy Spirit. Jesus says more about the Spirit than He does about the Church, marriage, finances, and the future. Why the emphasis on Him? God does not want a bunch of stressed-out, worn-out, done-in, and washed-up children representing Him in the world. He wants us to be fresher day by day, hour by hour.

But let’s be careful. The topic of the Holy Spirit seems to bring out the extremists among us. On one hand there are the show-offs. These are the people who make us feel unspiritual by appearing super-spiritual. They are buddy-buddy with the Spirit, wear a backstage pass, and want everyone to see their healing gifts, hear their mystical tongue. They make a ministry out of making others feel less than godly. They like to show off.

On the opposite extreme is the Spirit Patrol. They clamp down on anything that seems out of line or out of control. They are self-deputized hall monitors of the supernatural. If an event can’t be explained, they dismiss it.

Somewhere in between is the healthy saint. He has a childlike heart. She has a high regard for Scripture. He is open to fresh strength. She is discerning and careful. Both he and she seek to follow the Spirit. They clutch with both hands this final promise of Jesus:

You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. — Acts 1:8 NKJV

Is it your desire to know the Holy Spirit better and to nurture your relationship with Him? Then you and I are on the same page.

Let’s begin the journey…

Excerpted with permission from Help Is Here by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

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Your Turn

Are you in? Let's seek the Holy Spirit and get to know Him better together. Let's operate in His power! ~ Devotionals Daily