by Richelle Hecker

The Holy Spirit, characterized by action, not looks.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

My daughter made this work of art out of fingernail polish, water, and a stick. She has loved birds, and has closely observed them since before she could speak. Her artwork reflects that fascination in every detail.

This particular painting quickly brought the Holy Spirit to my mind. I see it in her color choices, the way the bird’s movement flows, and in the way it rests on the water. This bird seemed alive, but I took a picture to preserve the memory because the moment she stirred the water the painting disappeared.

Even the fact that I only got a quick look at her painting reminded me of the Holy Spirit. It is difficult to grasp who the Holy Spirit is, because we are only given momentary glimpses of Him. He is often depicted as a dove because of His appearance at Jesus’ baptism, or as fire descending on the apostles after the risen Jesus ascended to Heaven.

Although He is not usually seen, He is often portrayed in the Bible by what He does. Words such as Comforter, Spirit of God, Teacher, Reveal-er of Truth, Convict-er of Sin, Intercessor, and Witness are among His attributes. How wonderful to ponder all He does in us, and for us!

The other piece of this painting that brings to mind the Holy Spirit is the water. Jesus tells us that the living water moves, and flows, within us.

“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”
John 7:37-39 New International Version

We are told that each of us, who has this living water, will never thirst again. He never leaves us. He is alive, and active within us, whether we see him or not. Rejoice!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado