In Luke 3:16, we see John the
Baptist talking to the crowds that had gathered to hear him: ”John
answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is
coming Who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His
sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
”It is often difficult to
impart truth by the use of words. Frequently they reveal only a half-truth,
leaving the other half hidden. The writers of the Bible used certain emblems
when unfolding the mysteries of the Holy Spirit, because they illustrate more
about Him than volumes can contain. They are:
1) Fire as an emblem (above
verse): Fire speaks of His consuming, purifying power in the life of the
believer (Acts 2:3; Isaiah 6:1-7).
2) Wind as an emblem (John
3:8): Wind speaks of His hidden depth in His mighty regenerating power.
3) Water as an emblem (John
7:37-39): Water speaks of His power to fill the believer to overflowing with
spiritual life.
4) Seal as an emblem
(Ephesians 1:13): Seal speaks of His ownership of the believer; it is a
finished, eternal transaction.
5) Oil as an emblem (Acts
10:38): Oil speaks of His power to anoint for service.
6) Dove as an emblem (Mark 1:10):
The dove speaks of His gentle, tender, peaceful nature.
We may know “the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7), only when we are fully
surrendered to God.”
My friend in Jesus, may we
always and in every way be wholly submitted to the will of God, diligent to
know and to follow the teachings and commandments of Jesus, and praying daily
to be filled with the Holy Spirit and His enabling power and abundant grace for
every good work and word.
God bless you.
