In Greek, the word used to describe the Spirit is, “pneuma” [pnyoo-mah]. The word translated as “Holy” is, “hagios” [hag-ee-os], hence we get, “hagios pneuma“, Holy Spirit. Jesus ministry was in the power of the Spirit from the beginning. Indeed, we are told that Jesus was born of the Spirit of God.
Matthew 1:18 (TNIV)
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
So often we feel in bondage to things of this world: pain, disappointment, money, substances, ourselves, other things…… and on and on. Jesus proclaims that He has come to free us from that bondage. Just like the wind, just like the breath of life….the Spirit is power. Not in the sense of position, but in the sense of the strength to overcome.
I believe that this “power” is rooted in love. Indeed, God loves us so much that He became flesh in the form of a baby and overcame the natural laws of this world. And in that “new life”…….. He gave us “new life”.
As you follow Jesus and seek His ways, His heart and His will in our lives, you are empowered with the Spirit of God to overcome the bondage you face.
Luke 4:18-19 [TNIV, Jesus speaking]
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
When we proclaim the good news to the poor, freedom to prisoners in bondage, indeed, when we help the sightless see Jesus and gain real sight in their life…..we overcome darkness in this world through love.
May your life be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. May you find strength through the Holy Spirit to overcome the obstacles of this world! May your love overcome the darkness of this world through the power of Jesus, indeed, the power of the Holy Spirit!