What's a Dove Got to Do With It?

   Before his birth, God chose the man known as John the Baptist for a particular duty. He was to baptize people who repented of their sins, in the Jordan River, when Jesus the carpenter's sinless son arrived to begin his ministry. 

   Identifying with sinners, Jesus publicly instructed John to baptize him, "to fulfill all righteousness." When he came up out of the water, "heaven was opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove, lighting on him. A voice from heaven said 'This is my Son, whom I love: with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)

   A new movement of God was beginning, and all mankind would be called to repentance. Thus, the Father (voice), the Son (Jesus) and the Spirit (dove-like) revealed themselves before those onlookers.

   The Spirit led Jesus into the desert for 40 days and nights, after which He did nothing apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. Before his ascension Jesus himself would baptize his followers with the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit enabled the Son, how much more do we mortals need his leading and power?   

   Now, what about the dove? Sunday night in a special service on the day of Pentecost, one of our speakers explained that a dove has nine feathers on its left wing, nine feathers on its right wing, and five tail feathers. 

   The apostle Paul wrote of the gifts of the Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues (languages) and interpretation of tongues. Nine in all. (I Corinthians 12). 

   He wrote to Galatians (5:22-23), the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Nine in all.

   Paul also wrote of the ministry of the Spirit: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Five in all. Advancement of the church. (Ephesians 4:11)

   There are explanations of the gifts and fruit, but we'll leave that for another time.  

               Jimmy