What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit – 5
Matthew 4:1, Luke 4:1
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit… Consider this condition for a moment. We’ve talked in class a lot about the fact that it was JESUS being led, but right now consider the condition – being led.
In Thayer’s Greek Definitions, the word is given a second definition according to its use by navigators: “launch out, set sail, put to sea.” There’s something about this definition that causes it to stay on my mind, but I just can’t put my finger on the reason yet. Perhaps you can help me think this through…
Consider the analogy between a boat being put out to sea and the Christian being led by the Spirit.
1. The boat yields to the instruction of the Captain. In calm weather, the boat simply responds to the movement of the Captain. In rough weather, though the boat is tossed about and rocked by waves, the boat still responds to the movement of the Captain. The wind (external conditions) may knock it slightly, but that boat readjusts itself to the guidance of the Captain in order to stay on course.
2. The Captain knows the boat. My mom and I both have Jeep Grand Cherokees, and both are 99 models. However, I notice a significant difference in her steering and her braking when I borrow her car. In fact, after I borrow her car and get back in mine, I feel much more at home because I know my car. Although the cars are the same model, they are unique in some way. I would think that boats are similar due to size, material, shape, and construction. When actually setting out to sea, I’m certain a Captain would be extremely familiar with his boat. Our Captain knows us - He created us! The Book of Acts says in Him we live and move and exist. The Shepherd knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. He made us unique individuals that He could have a unique and individual relationship with each of us and live a unique and individual life through each of us. He uses you and your personality for His glory, to express Himself in and through you.
3. The Captain knows what lies ahead, and the boat does not. Obviously, boats are inanimate objects and people are not. But for the sake of the analogy, bear with me for a moment. When a Captain launches a boat to sea, the Captain has watched the weather, studied the course, and completed much preparation for the trip. The boat simply trusts and relies on the Captian. One of the great comforts for the Christian is that our Captain knows what lies ahead although we do not. And, our Captain promises to go with us no matter what. He will never, never, never leave us nor forsake us but will be with us always ‘even until the end of the age’. Not to mention, our Captain is sovereign over everything! He told that storm to be calm when He was in the boat. He walked on the water getting to the boat. He can bring the fish to the nets of the boats. He preached to the masses from the boat, and He discipled a few using a boat. He reached lost people by boats, and He found quiet time in boats. Our Captian is all-powerfull, all-knowing, and all-present. How amazing is that!
Take a few moments to consider your relationship with Him. Are you submitted to His will in your life? Have you denied self and set aside your motives, your resources, and your goals to be completely available to Him with His resources? Have you aligned your objectives with His objectives and are you yielding to the steering of the Spirit?
Next week’s passages: John 14:12-31 and John 16:5-15
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