Scripture Scribbles: January 15, 2023

the Gospel

John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.'
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel."
John testified further, saying,
"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

the devotion

The Spirit came down like a dove and remained. Of all the different varieties of birds that frequent my feeder, I delight most in the family of doves that appears when it’s most quiet, usually around dawn and dusk. They descend on the railing and deck and walk peacefully around, timidly eating the remaining seeds dropped by the other birds.

The Holy Spirit comes in different ways to comfort, protect, and guide: tongues of fire, a strong driving wind, anointing and empowering oil, streams of living water, and the dove (meek, yet powerful).

A dove is a gentle creature, easily scared away. Similarly, when we reject God, the Spirit doesn’t remain, but flees and returns later. Through the promptings of the Holy Spirit, God slowly nudges us in the right direction. The Holy Spirit guides us to follow His will, one tiny step at a time, leading us in truth and making the path straight.

One of the children in class questioned, “If God asks me to do something, do I have to do it?” I responded, “No, but I would strongly recommend it.” Yet, despite my stern admonition, I have said no to God more times than I care to admit. God never pressures us. If we do initially respond no, he will give us time and ask again, and again, and again, ever so gently until we finally feel ready to say yes to His will. Come Holy Spirit. Help me be open and remain with me always.

Today’s devotion was written by Karen Molvar