Tuesday 21 March 2023
- Bible Book:
- 1 Corinthians
Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit. (v.3)
Background
Psalm 19, which we read today, is a lesson on humility and is an antidote to the temptation to seek the spectacular. There is an inevitable sense of proportion in contemplating the beauty and splendour of the cosmos (vs 1-6). We realise the miniscule dimension of our own existence. Then comes the consideration on the perfect guidance found in the word of God which the Psalmist says is "more precious than gold" (vs 7-11). We realise the sinfulness of our own existence. At the end is a sense of complete dependence on the salvation that only the Lord can grant: "my rock and my redeemer". (v. 14)
All of the three temptations Satan put before Jesus in the desert during the 40 days of fasting involved seeking the spectacular. The temptation to use the divine gifts to prove something about himself was very strong. You can do it Jesus, "ordain these stones to become bread" (Matthew 4:3). It would be even more eye-catching to follow the idea: "Throw yourself from the pinnacle of the Temple and the angels will uphold you’"(Matthew 4:5-6). Even more spectacular would be to have all of the world, it is yours. But, Jesus resisted all these temptations and chose the path of freedom from the need to impress.
The gifts of the Spirit are given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). They are not bestowed for the glorification of particular egos in church. All of the gifts of the Spirit are linked to services to the community. The temptation to the spectacular is a distraction from the real power of the gifts of the Spirit. When we can come to the profound spiritual realisation of our own place before the cosmos and the word of God, we can be free to embrace the gifts of the Spirit and the life abundant they bring.
To Ponder:
- How frequently or easily have you been able to contemplate the skies?
- Besides the Bible, where else can you find the word of God?
- Which gifts of the Holy Spirit do you seek to receive and why?
Prayer
Source of all gifts and talents, Holy God, find in me an open heart and a humble head bowed for your anointing. Bestow in me that gift the community needs, for your glory alone. Amen.