Luke Chapter 1

“The child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.”
Luke 1: 80 (NIV)
 
     The first chapter of Luke closes with a reference to the development and maturation of John the Baptist. “The child grew and became strong in spirit.” Simple as this statement may be, it reveals great depth about John the Baptist’s spiritual life. As his body matured physically, John the Baptist’s spirit also grew in strength. This strengthening of spirit was critical for John the Baptist for him to fulfill Gabriel’s prophecy and prepare the way of the Lord. Also remember, Gabriel told Zachariah that his son would “go on before the Lord in the spirit and strength of Elijah.”
     Elijah was one of the Bible’s greatest prophets. He performed many miracles and was used mightily by God to turn His people back to Him. In fact, Elijah was so great and favored by the Lord that he did not die an earthly death but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Yet, with all he accomplished, Elijah’s strength did not originate from himself but from the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

     For some, the role of the Holy Spirit is diminished or at best, controversial. However, in the chapters to come, the Bible clearly speaks to the critical role which the Holy Spirit held with Jesus’ ministry. The Holy Spirit’s presence with Jesus is clear and unmistakable. If Jesus, the Son of God, needed the Holy Spirit, how much more do we? After all, we are not God incarnate like Jesus but are flesh without any divine attributes. Regardless of theology, we can all agree how the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. As such, the Holy Spirit demands our respect, praise, and adoration.
     Like John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jesus, we need to rely upon the Holy Spirit if we desire to fulfill God’s calling in our lives. We do not want to fall into the trap of pride, attempting to strive in our own strength. Instead, we must rely upon the power and strength of the Holy Spirit to do His work.
     Let us make growing strong in the Spirit a prayer of our heart. For as we seek to expand our spheres of influence and become effective in our calling, growing strong in the spirit is an essential aspect of our ministry. Whether our ministry and calling are in our homes, the workplace, schools, or the community at large, we all need the help and strength of the Holy Spirit to have the greatest impact and influence on people’s lives. Join me today in asking God to use His Word to grow us and help us become strong in His Spirit.
 
     Lord, deepen my knowledge and understanding of Your Word. Help me to grow in my faith and with my trust in You, oh God. Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me become strong in Your Spirit and be filled with Your power and You might. Amen.