God’s Story... For My Life
The Power of the Spirit
Read 1 Chronicles 12:8-18
Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the leader of the Thirty, and he said, “We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you.”
(1 Chronicles 12:18)
Reflect
How did the Holy Spirit work in Old Testament times? The Spirit came upon individuals in order to accomplish specific goals. The Spirit gave Bezalel artistic ability (Exodus 31:1-5), Jephthah military prowess (Judges 11:29), David power to rule (1 Samuel 16:13), and Zechariah an authoritative word of prophecy (2 Chronicles 24:20). Here the Holy Spirit came upon Amasai, one of David’s warriors. When there was an important job to be done, God chose a person to do it, and the Spirit gave that person the needed power and ability.
Beginning at Pentecost, however, the Spirit came upon all believers, not only to empower them to do God’s will, but also to dwell in them day by day (Acts 2:14-21). “The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people” (Ephesians 1:14). Jesus promised that the Spirit would teach his disciples and remind them of his words (John 14:26; 16:15). The Spirit is convicting the world of sin, of God’s righteousness, and of judgment, and he is also guiding Jesus’ followers into all truth (John 16:8, 13).
Respond
We Christians are those who have been filled by the Holy Spirit. We should thank God for the Spirit’s indwelling and for the personal guidance of his Spirit.