While reading my Bible recently, I was reminded of a very powerful moment. The scripture was concerning Jesus’ baptism and subsequent time fasting in the wilderness.
Let’s read it now…
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing at all that time and became very hungry. Then the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil took Him up and revealed to Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give You the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to You if You will worship me.” Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” Then the devil took Him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If You are the Son of God, jump off! For Scriptures say, ‘He will order His angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left Him until the next opportunity came. Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Luke 4:1-14a
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit at His baptism…but He didn’t receive the fullness of Holy Spirit power until He had withstood temptation.
Even Jesus had to choose.
He chose to live and die for our sake. He could’ve chosen different, at any time. Yet, He remained faithful.
What a mighty God we serve.
We would do good to remember this the next time we face a choice. When we have opportunity to choose between God and the world…we can remember that Jesus also knows this struggle, and having won it, He came out on the other side with Power.
We each need the power of Holy Spirit to inhabit our lives. Without it, we won’t make it through the hardships of life. I’ve noticed a lot of believers who seem unable to weather storms well. They often turn from God, become angry with God, blame God. I have always wondered why this occurs, now I’m inclined to wonder if they do so because they haven’t been filled with Holy Spirit and received power.
It’s that important.
It’s that vital.
We can’t go on without it.
We need the power of the Holy Spirit.
I encourage you to ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Once you’ve been filled, ask Him to release the power of Holy Spirit in you. Once you do this, your life will never be the same!
365 Days in the Presence 