October 28, 2021: SOAP #4347:  Job 19; Mark 1-2

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 1:9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

OBSERVATION: As does Luke, Mark shows the important role of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of Jesus. The Spirit descended on Jesus at his baptism in water.  The voice of the Father was heard from heaven.  And then the Spirit SENT Jesus into the wilderness.  Jesus had laid aside His deity to walk on earth as a sinless man.  So, at the start of His ministry, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus and then SENT HIM into the dessert!  

Jesus received the Holy Spirit’s presence and anointing.  Jesus also obeyed the Spirit’s direction.  Jesus followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

APPLICATION:  Since I have set Jesus as my example, I also need to carefully follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit arouses a strong feeling in my heart, or speaks a word or thought into my mind, I must be careful not to shrug it off as of no account. 

The Holy Spirit will often speak to us through the scriptures, but not always.  The better I know the scriptures, the better I will be able to understand what the Spirit is saying to me.  However, not having a Bible available does not mean that the Holy Spirit cannot speak to us!  When we were born again, the Holy Spirit has set up residence in our hearts. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit I need your anointing and empowering in my life and ministry.  Like Jesus, help me follow the flow of compassion that you stir up in my heart.  By your impressions and thoughts in my mind, help me see things as Jesus sees them.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!