Within the Holy Trinity, it’s not a far stretch to think of God as the ultimate Father. Afterall, He created man in His image, and there is the old cliché…the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Yikes, we won’t digress into the subject of fruit trees just now. If your familial father was wise and kind and loving, that image of father takes shape rather easily.
Jesus as the Son comes naturally with the awareness of His incarnation and complete fulfillment as the Messiah. He was a man. He was God incarnate, the Christ. The Bible is full of descriptive ways for us to personalize God and Jesus as the Father and Son.
The Holy Spirit is one I have grappled with over the years. Jesus certainly describes Him well in John 14: 15-21. However, I must confess I have made many assumptions and distortions based on teachings, experiences with other Christians, observations in varied church worship styles, and personal experiences. Many mixed messages, to be sure.
Scripture, as our trusted source, uses many metaphors to describe Him: Teacher (John 14:26), Wind (John 3:8), Intercessor (Romans 8:26), Seal of Heaven (Ephesians 1:13), Dove (Matthew 3:16), Provider of Spiritual Gifts (I Corinthians 12: 1-11), Living Water (John 7: 37-39), Power (Luke 24:49)…to name a few!
My passionate intention for 2024 is to have a year of adventure with the ultimate trail guide, the Holy Spirit. At a time when our world seems to be in such trouble, what an intriguing prospect to go beyond past assumptions and distortions. Seems a very sensible thing to do. The experience of getting to know Him even better, by asking for His help in knowing Him the way Jesus knows Him. I have visited this territory many times before and maybe I am just a slow learner… but I believe some trails are worth trekking again and again and again! Scripture is the “All Season Pass” to find higher ground.
Please Lord, as much adventure as I can bear.
Amen.