Holy Spirit, Come

Scripture: In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2

Observation: It is not known for certain who wrote Hebrews, however this much is made clear from the very first sentence ... it was written by a Jew, for an audience of Jews. The author begins with an explanation of how Jesus is superior to all other beings issued by the Lord, beginning with his superiority over prophets in the first sentence, and continuing to his superiority over angels and all created beings (physical and spiritual).

In discussing Jesus compared to prophets, the author points out that it has been through prophets that the Lord spoke to the Jews, but now "in these last days" his word came from his son, this superior being, who himself is part of the Lord. This phrase and interpretation of "in these last days" could be understood two different ways. One is "recently", as in, historically the Lord sent prophets, but recently he sent Jesus. The second is "finally", as in, historically the Lord gave his word through prophets, and then finally he sent Jesus.

Both of these interpretations have a provocative connotation, which is that Jesus represented the culmination of the Lord's words. With Jesus' teaching, the world has now heard all it is that the Lord wants them to know and understand, and he will speak no more, instead waiting for the world to believe and obey.

There are some today who believe this is true, and there is a bit of Christian logic to it, which goes like this ... if the Lord used prophets to speak to the Jews, and the Jews faithfully recorded and kept those teachings, and suddenly 2,000 years ago the Lord stopped doing that and has been completely silent, then something happened at that time, which is the Messiah. In other words, believing the Lord no longer speaks also reenforces belief that Jesus is the Messiah.

However, there is a third way of understanding "in these last days". That third way is "then", as in, historically the Lord spoke to people through one or two individuals, then Jesus the son of God came and by his teaching and his own declaration and his very presence on earth released the Holy Spirit, and now the Lord's word can be spoken by many.

Application: I desire a better and stronger relationship with the Holy Spirit. I feel like, despite the fact the Holy Spirit is the component of God that dwells within me, it is also the component I understand the least. I want to understand more. I want to feel more. I want to collaborate with the Holy Spirit more, so that my behavior is strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit.

There are times I feel the Holy Spirit move in my life, and when I do ... I love it. It is refreshing, exhilarating, and typically feels like joy. I want that more.

Prayer: Lord, may I be refreshed in your Holy Spirit again today and every day. Live in me, restoring and refreshing my heart and mind and soul daily, please. Amen.