Comparisons of the
Holy Spirit
As discussed earlier, the Holy Spirit in scripture is
compared to oil, fire, wind, rain, river, wine and a dove. Whilst the scripture
does not say the Holy Spirit are these things it does say the Holy Spirit is
like these things. It is therefore essential in understanding the outworking of
the Holy Spirit that we understand the effects these elements can have on us.
Just as oil can have a lubricating and energising effect on machinery
so too can the Holy Spirit both equip and enable his church in being all Christ
called us to be in Him. We see the result of this in how the early church
response to caring for one another and ensuring everything was shared. The body
of Christ worked as one and we might even say was a well oiled machine.
The results on the day of Pentecost and fire coming upon the
believers equipped them to speak forth the things of God boldly, whilst only a
short time earlier Peter had denied our Lord. Again just as fire can cause us
to be zealous and bold, it can also be consuming and at times as the Lord a all
consuming fire which burns not only away those things which are sin and dross
but even our very lives.
When we think of wind it can be that gentle whisper blowing
through the gum trees or the still voice of the Spirit speaking to us to bring
about His plans for our lives. In comparison it can also be a hurricane or
cyclone as we say in Australia which destroys everything in its path.
Again rain in season, that is the spring and autumn times
can bring growth and prosperity from crops yet out of season can cause
everything to be lost.
A river such as seen in Ezekiel can be ankle, knee or even
waist deep which still enables us to enjoy it and be refreshed but when it is a
torrent which sweeps us away in its path disabling us from standing and only
being at its peril it too can be powerful.
Wine, when taken in moderation scripture says can be good
for the stomach yet when there is not control can take away all that we have
and know. And a dove which is sensitive to movement, when settled upon the
believer can cause them to be lead into greater experiences.
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