Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: Jesus Baptizes with the Spirit
Digging for Truth: Kingdom ministry is not about one person doing everything; it’s about every child of God working in harmony together to fulfill the plan of our King for salvation. There is no place in ministry for micromanaging and arrogant leaders nor insecure and inactive spectators; both are counter-productive to God’s plan. Jesus is our Anointed Christ (Savior), King, and the Head of the Church; we listen to him and obediently follow.
Harmony is only possible when God’s people are willing to leave their controlling flesh behind and follow the indwelling vision of our heavenly Father. To do that, we need Christ to baptize all his children with the Holy Spirit. Jesus has to “breathe” on us the life of the unifying and empowering Spirit who helps us move in synchronicity as we reveal the living gospel (John 20:22). “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all” (Ephesians 4:6). This is the vision of the Church living for God’s glory!
Grace for the Heart: Jesus is the true Baptizer of all that is holy. Only the Spirit can cleanse us from all that is unholy. We have to be breathless from our own “hot air” to breathe in the fullness of God’s satisfying love and supernatural power. Thank you, Helper, we can be saved by grace! When Christ baptizes human flesh with the Holy Spirit, it makes all the difference for the Kingdom! In the One Spirit we are many spirits; but in the many spirits is the ONE!
John 1:33 NLT John the Baptizer said, “I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’”
Challenge: As we reflect today, let’s consider carefully what it means to be the Church—Body of Christ—ministering under One Head. The Helper makes all the difference in our personal lives and our corporate lives as the Body of Christ. Jesus said, “But when the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, He will testify and bear witness about Me (John 15:26 AMP).
Prayer: Lord, thank you for baptizing us with the Spirit and the vision of heaven where all things flow in order and harmony for your glory. The Word is the Way. Impart to us today, through the Helper, a fresh vision for how we can participate in your plan and purpose. We will be praying and listening. It is our desire to reveal your glorious goodness as you offer the world salvation while there is still time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.