Treasure the Holy Spirit
Exodus 31:2-3 See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—
During the time of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit filled certain men at certain times only for certain duties. The above verse from Exodus is one such example, where God was instructing Moses on the details of how the tabernacle was to be constructed. Bezalel received divine wisdom from the Spirit for various artistic applications in how to work in gold, silver, bronze, cutting of stones, carving wood and all kinds of craftsmanship.
More examples from the Old Testament include Joseph, whom the Pharaoh recognized as a man in whom the Spirit of God was present. Joshua, who was consecrated by Moses to be the leader of the Israelites after him. Othniel received the Spirit of the Lord to judge Israel. So also did Gideon when he had to fight against the Midianites, and Jephtah when he had to make a stand against the Ammonites. A well-known example is Samson, who experienced the movement of the Spirit at certain times in his life since childhood. Saul, King of Israel, encountered the Spirit of God when he met the band of prophets and he himself then started to prophesy. David received the Spirit when Samuel anointed him as king while he was still a young shepherd boy.
It therefore was an earth-shattering moment when the Holy Spirit descended on the waiting disciples of Jesus in Acts 2 – literally! Because there came a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, and tongues of fire settled on each one of them, with the result that they began speaking in other tongues telling of the mighty works of God!
What makes this event different to what the people of the Old Testament experienced? It is voiced by Peter in Acts 2:39
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.
The promise of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is now not only meant for certain hand-picked individuals to empower and equip them for a certain task, but for ALL who answer the call of God and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Even “for all who are far off”, meaning non-Jews.
This is special favour from our heavenly Father indeed! Something that I am sure many Old Testament believers longed for in their lifetime. All given to us as a gift we do not deserve, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Points to ponder: Treasure this unmatched, incredibly generous gift from Abba – do not take Holy Spirit for granted, do not grieve Him by ignoring Him or acting contrary to His leading! If you do not experience Him yet – ask God to fill you with His Spirit – Luke 11:13.
Priscilla Koeglenberg
Feel free to email me at questions.powerhouse@gmail.com