Remind Me One More Time

Was thinking about the baptism of Jesus the other day.. and how that John the Baptist told Jesus that it didn't make sense, that John needed to be baptized by Jesus.. but Jesus said it had to be this way for now because he was setting an example, making a trail for us to follow in how to live out all that God was asking of us. Water baptism is an essential statement to those around us that we have died to who we were and made alive again as a new person by the mercy and cleansing power of God.

I wondered at the Holy Spirit descending upon him like a dove, and how exactly that was for our example seeing that everyone present witnessed it as well as the voice that spoke from heaven declaring that he was the son of God. And the most sense I can make of it is that it was again for our example in what we should follow and live out. Jesus was fully man and tempted in every way that we are, even tho he was fully God at the same time. He laid down his glory and power and took on flesh. That flesh was just like ours.. and needed a filling of spiritual power to equip us to resist the temptations of the flesh. The baptism of the Holy Spirit.

When you think about it.. the persons of God visit us at different moments/dispensations and perform specific roles. At this time, Jesus came as Sacrifice for the atonement of mankind.. he will come the next time as Messiah and King to establish his rule on the earth in a new and powerful way. The Holy Spirit comes to mankind as "divine paraclete: one called alongside to help." He brings all that Christ and God has said to our remembrance.. reminds us of right and wrong in those moments when we are tested or tempted or weak. It's like a cheat sheet in our conscience of all the right answers, given by God, so that we can cheat sin and the second death.

The dove descended upon Christ to endue him with power in the flesh before he was led into the wilderness to be tempted of Satan.. he was given the cheat sheet.. and he chose to use it against the enemies attempts.. it is one of the first and most famous scenes that displays the quoting of Scripture/the Word of God to empower us to choose what is right and to overcome our sin nature. We must still choose to do what's right, just as Christ chose as a man.. but the Holy Spirit whispers to our heart and our spirit and our mind what is clearly right and wrong, black and white, life and death.

Pretty cool ♥