Tuesday, February 2, 1999
Tuesday, February 2, 1999
He on whom you see the spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the
Holy Spirit. (John 1:33
NRSV)
God had told John in a personal epiphany, "He on whom you see the spirit descend and remain is
the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit." When John saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus in the
form of a dove, he knew without a doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. John believed that day
because of a personal act of revelation.
Sometimes that happens to people. The truth of God comes into their lives in such a dramatic
fashion that they can scarcely can deny God's presence. How do you experience God's presence
in your life?
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA
Working in a small town in Latin America, a woman felt despair. She was experiencing marital
problems, as well as conflicts with people she worked with. Without warning, an earthquake
struck one day. In those moments of panic and fear she ran with other people to the relative safety
of a garden plaza as buildings shattered and dust billowed. "For those moments I saw everything
so clearly," she recalls, "how I could become so much kinder to my husband, how other
relationships could work out. In an instant--and with such gratitude--I saw how it would be so
easy for me to turn things around." In that dramatic moment this woman had glimpsed how the
brokenness in her life could be mended. At that moment she saw clearly how she could bring
about healing in her life. At that moment it was as if God had spoken to her in a most dramatic
way.
Prayer: God of peace, move me in feeling your presence today. Amen.
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