Matthew 3:16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;
Isaiah 11:2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
John 1:31-34 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
John 3:34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.
Just as the Spirit of God descended upon the Lord Jesus—the head of the Church—so also does the Spirit descend upon each member of His church body. This descent, though given in measure to us, is patterned after the manner in which it was given to our Lord. There is often a peculiar swiftness in the Spirit’s coming; before we are fully aware, we are propelled onward and upward, moved toward heaven beyond our expectations. Yet, unlike the rush of earthly haste, the Spirit’s movement is marked by a gentle quietness—the wings of the dove, soft and swift, carry the presence of God in tranquility.
Many of the Spirit’s operations require a deep quietness. The Holy Spirit speaks in a still, small voice, and, like the dew that falls in silence, Gentleness is a natural result of the Spirit’s transforming power. Hearts touched by His gracious influence become meek and humble, changed forever. Just as the Spirit brooded over the face of the deep to bring forth order and life at creation, He also comes into our hearts to foster new life and light.
Dear heavenly father, may the Holy Spirit’s presence continue to transform us, filling us with purity, peace, gentleness, harmlessness, and divine love, so that our lives reflect the beauty and grace of Christ. (Spurgeon)
