Daily Devotional
"Before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit... for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
Matthew 1:18, 20
Twice in this passage, Matthew emphasizes that Mary’s pregnancy was from the Holy Spirit. This isn’t just a statement about the virgin birth; it’s a revelation about the Spirit’s mission. The Holy Spirit brought Jesus into the world. The Spirit is the Christophorus – the Christ-bearer.
But here’s the remarkable truth: the Spirit’s work hasn’t changed. He’s still in the business of bringing Jesus into human lives. The same Spirit who brought Jesus into Mary’s womb brings Jesus into your heart when you believe. The Spirit’s job from the very beginning has been to make Jesus real and present in the lives of human beings.
This is why Jesus told His disciples in John 16 that it was better for Him to go away so that the Spirit could come. Through the Spirit, Jesus would no longer be limited to one physical location. He could be present with all His people, in all places, at all times. Emmanuel – God with us – would become a universal reality, not just for those who encountered Jesus in first-century Palestine.
The Spirit doesn’t draw attention to Himself; He points us to Jesus. He convicts us of sin so we’ll run to Jesus. He illuminates Scripture so we’ll see Jesus. He produces fruit in our lives that looks like Jesus. He empowers us for service in Jesus’ name. Everything the Spirit does is Christ-centered.
This means that every moment of your Christian life is sustained by the Spirit’s work. You didn’t choose Jesus on your own – the Spirit opened your eyes. You don’t grow in holiness by trying harder – the Spirit transforms you from the inside. You don’t serve in your own strength – the Spirit empowers and gifts you. From start to finish, the Christian life is the Spirit making Jesus real to us and real in us.
Are you grieving the Spirit by resisting His work? Are you quenching the Spirit by ignoring His leading? Or are you walking in step with the Spirit, yielding to His conviction, trusting His power, and following His guidance as He continues His ancient mission of bringing Jesus into your life?
Today's Challenge
How have you experienced the Spirit's work of making Jesus real to you? In what areas of your life do you need to yield more fully to the Spirit's transforming power?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for Your work of bringing Jesus into my life. I confess that I often try to live the Christian life in my own strength, forgetting that You are the source of every good work in me. Convict me where I need conviction. Transform me where I need transformation. Empower me where I need empowerment. Help me to walk in step with You today, yielding to Your work of making Jesus real and present in every area of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
