September 20, 2020: SOAP #3944:  Daniel 5-6; Psalm 130; Luke 3

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 3:16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Observation:   Here in chapter three, Luke continues to tie the ministry of Jesus with the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  Luke is here quoting John the Baptist who was a forerunner of Jesus, sent to prepare the people for Christ’s coming and to introduce Jesus to Israel. 

In Acts 1 and 2 we can read of the fulfillment of this prophetic word.  On the day of Pentecost, those gathered in the upper room were all filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking praises to God in unlearned languages, with what appeared to be tongues of fire on each one’s head.  Peter addressed the onlookers and referred them back to the words of the prophet Joel.  He could have also referred them back to John the Baptist words as recorded by Luke.    

Application:  Every time in the book of Acts when people were initially filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke in other languages.  Of course, once filled with the Holy Spirit, they went on to other Spirit-led ministry.  However, those gathered on the day of Pentecost is the only time we read about the tongues of fire.  

From personal experience, I have found the Holy Spirit is not tongues of fire on my head, but a burning flame in my heart.  He stirs my love for Jesus and sparks boldness in speaking for my Lord.        

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, John the Baptist promised that Jesus would baptize us into you for your anointing and empowerment.  Use me to bring glory to Jesus, I pray. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!