Thirsting for the Spirit
On Sunday 13th June Nathan spoke to us about being clothed with the Holy Spirit and with power from on high. Click here to listen to the message online.
He mentioned that certain situations required particular attire: cyclists with their streamlined clothing and professionals with their smart suits. It reminded me of when people look at themselves in the mirror when they’re smartly dressed, confirming their identity (sometimes verbally) to remind themselves who they are. We can learn something of this, positively declaring that we are indeed clothed with the Spirit.
We also heard again (the ‘again’ is emphasised) about the Early Church being our benchmark, the minimum standard we should be attaining spiritually. If we’re honest, and I speak for myself here, we don’t see this amongst us fully at the moment. So what are we to do about it?
The Lord spoke to us at our Church in the Home this week about desiring the Spirit. He gave us a picture of a deer thirsting for water, committing everything to overcome any obstacle or restriction to fulfil its need and longing. It reminds us of Psalm 42, “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so my soul pants for you, O God.” We prayed for God to renew our minds and enlarge our desire for him.
Praise God that he is not a miserly judge (Luke 18:1-8) who is holding back, but he freely gives the Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). Our response: ask. Ask God, for he knows how to give good gifts to his children and he is not slow to answer and will not delay (Luke 18:7-8).
When we ask and mean it, God is faithful and fills us with his Holy Spirit. Then we will see his kingdom grow with miracle, sign and wonder. There is no kingdom advance without the Holy Spirit. So what will you desire?
Matthew Harkness
