It’s the quiet ones whom we tend to forget. For example, my grandparents live in Colorado. When we go to visit, it’s my grandma who comes to greet us and their dog whose barks fill up the room. My grandpa, the quiet one, is the last person we greet. In a sense, it’s like we’ve forgotten about him because he’s not as obvious.
It’s the same way with the Holy Spirit. We’ve got God the Father figured out. He’s the Almighty One who created Heaven and Earth. We’ve got God the Son figured out, too. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.
The Apostle’s Creed is clear on the first two members of the Trinity. But the third? All it says is, “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” Then it goes on to discuss the church, forgiveness, resurrection, and life everlasting. Needless to say, we do not have the Holy Spirit figured out.
However, in Mark 3, Jesus describes the Spirit in unforgettable terms. He says, “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” (verse 29). This verse always makes us back up and panic. How do we know if we’ve blasphemed against the Holy Spirit? What does that even mean? Should we be worried?
The answer I’ve usually heard is this: If you’re worried about it, then you haven’t done it. However, the point I’m trying to make isn’t about blasphemy against the Spirit, but about the Spirit himself. Jesus, very clearly, does not forget about the Spirit, no matter how quiet he may seem. On the contrary, he points out that having the Spirit is more important than anything else. It’s vital that we recognize the Holy Spirit’s influence in us.
This week, in my devotions, I’ve discussed a few points about the Holy Spirit. First, the Spirit urges us to look to Jesus for forgiveness. Second, the Spirit chooses to work through us even though we mess up constantly. And third, the Spirit works in all Christians, regardless of their profession or gifts. I repeat: it’s vital that we recognize the Holy Spirit’s influence in us. The Spirit IS working, in these ways and others. If we pay attention, we will see it.
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