The very first Miraculous Act in bringing Jesus to earth (the Incarnation) was the Holy Spirit’s overseeing the conception of Jesus in the womb of the virgin Mary.

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35, the annunciation, the angel Gabriel speaking. (His name means “man of God,” but more specifically “champion of God!”)

Then when Jesus was still in infancy, just after Simeon and Anna had “seen” the Lord at the Jerusalem Temple … Mary and Joseph went back to Nazareth to raise the little Jesus … “And the child grew, and waxed strong in SPIRIT, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”Luke 2:40, “strong in Spirit.” I believe that’s another direct reference to the Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus!

Then later, when Jesus begins His “Public Ministry” … the first thing He does involves a trip to the Jordan River! To be baptized of John! And, as He comes up out of the water … “And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the SPIRIT like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mark 1:10-11, the Holy Spirit (beginning) a new Phase in Jesus’ Plan for Redeeming sinners!

Then, our Text today in Isaiah 61, God would have it that Jesus’ first “recorded” reading of God’s Word was … “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach …” Isaiah 61:1

The Holy Spirit and Jesus … again!

And, had we space and time, the List could go on and on and on! (I specifically wanted to carry you up to our chapter this week, Isaiah 61.” The Holy Spirit and “first things” in Jesus’ Life!)

My point today?

If Jesus required/craved the Holy Spirit THAT MUCH in His sinless Life … what about you? What about me? In our frail humanity?

Maybe that’s why, the very second we were saved, God placed the Holy Spirit “within” us, converting us into His “Temple” for this age!

Cultivate, develop a Relationship with the Holy Spirit!

This I beg of you all.

Paul to the Corinthians … “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, AND THE COMMUNION (FELLOWSHIP) OF THE HOLY GHOST, be with you all. Amen.” A prayer, 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

.