Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Today's Passage: Luke 4

One a my favorite memories from my high school days is the Friday pep rally. We would gather the entire school together to hear cheers, see the football team, and listen to a brief and motivating speech by the coach. There were many traditions that took place on the Friday afternoons in preparation for the game. One of which is the passing of the 'spirit stick.' It was simply a striped baton which was given to the wildest and loudest grade. It was a coveted trophy that simply gave a class significant bragging rights.

The goal of the whole rally was to have the most spirit so that we could attain the 'spirit stick.' I believe that too many people today believe the Spirit which is spoken of in Scripture is harnessed and controlled by the same emotional fervor as the aforementioned high school pep rally. Meaning, those who talk the loudest, raise their hands in praise, have the best answer in Bible study, and leading ministries are the ones that have the Spirit. While it is certainly true that these people have and are following the Spirit, the same can also be said about the quiet and reserve Christians as well.

In Luke 4 Jesus himself is led by the Spirit to do several things. He is led to place where He can be tempted, and also led to Galilee where He teaches and amazes people in the synagogues. The Spirit did not lead him because He was the most excited person about God. No, the Spirit leads everyone. However, the Spirit does lead people in different ways and directions. The real difference in Jesus and most people (insofar as Luke 4 is concerned) is that Jesus listened and followed the Spirit whereas most do not.