10-30-24-DAILY READING-ENG.

EXPERIENCING THE SPIRIT

                                         EVEN FOR JESUS 

This character-building work was even a part of the Lord Jesus’ life. Notice how Luke indicated this truth during the time when Jesus was launching His ministry: The Spirit “descended…upon Him” for the assignment of redemption (3:22). Jesus “was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” to be tempted by Satan for forty days (4:1-2). The Spirit led Him back to Galilee to preach: “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit” (4:14). Jesus identified and proclaimed the purpose of the Holy Spirit's coming upon Him: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (4:18). His Spirit-led ministry brought Him into opposition— people hated Him and tried to kill him (4:28-29).

Can you see how the Spirit led Jesus into trying times so He could shape the Lord's life? The most startling and profound statement about this process in the Lord's life is found in Hebrews 5:8: “He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Think about what such a statement implies in your life. What will it mean for the Holy Spirit to make you Christlike? What must the Holy Spirit do to build great character in you? Every great Christian we know—without exception—has a testimony of suffering. Knowing this, do you still want a great assignment from the Lord? Are you willing for the Holy Spirit to build into your life great character?

Do you see why we must talk to you about Holy Spirit character before discussing Holy Spirit gifts? In his book Heavens Throne Gift, Christian author James A. Stewart wrote, Many want the Spirits power but not the Spirits purity. The Holy Spirit does not rent out His attributes. His power is never separated from His glorious Self. The Holy Spirit's power is best channeled through a holy person's life. Whereas forgiveness of sin is immediate, building character takes time. As you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, He'll teach you the holy life.