The Holy Spirit is so very, very unpredictable!
His ways are “past finding out,” using Paul’s words from Romans 11:33.
And today’s Lesson provides an example.
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: BECAUSE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD BLOWETH UPON IT: surely the people is grass.” Isaiah 40:7
The Holy Spirit, the Life Giver, causing things (people) to wither, to fade away? In essence “to die?” Like the grass of the field?
Is this the Spirit of God Who is love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness?
Yes.
Is the Spirit of God Who brought order out of chaos in Genesis chapter one, during Creation week?
Yes.
Is this the Spirit of God Whom Jesus called the “Comforter?”
Yes.
Then, what’s He doing in Isaiah 40:7?
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.”
Oh, friends reading here today … this is always the Holy Spirit’s first job with mankind!
He must, before any lost soul can be saved … “blow” upon that individual’s heart! Cause it to shrink from its natural pride! Cause it to be seared, burned by the very thoughts of eternal punishment, a devil’s Hell! In other words, bring that potential convert to Jesus UNDER CONVICTION!
Here’s Jesus, describing this “blowing” of the Spirit, His “withering” Ministry. “And when he (the Holy Spirit) is come, he will REPROVE the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 16:8
Reprove!
Convict!
Blow upon with a withering Breath!
He must kill (that despicable human pride) before He can extend Life!
Self-sufficiency must be made to fade … ere trust on Jesus, trust in Jesus, can be birthed!
The Holy Spirit, the Destroyer … before the Holy Spirit the Sustainer!
Have any of YOU ever been under conviction? Do you recall that sense of being on your way to Hell, such an awareness helping propel you to Jesus?
I do!
Jesus said, agreeing with our Text: “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” John 12:24, this is just a re-wording of Isaiah 40:7, folks.
Thank God for the day my consciousness was scorched by the Spirit … and then renewed by faith in Jesus … unto eternal life!
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell