Which other scriptures highlight God's Spirit moving individuals to fulfill His will? Ezekiel’s Encounter: Carried by the Spirit “So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.” (Ezekiel 3:14) Ezekiel’s experience sets the pattern: God’s Spirit personally moves His servants, directing their steps and empowering their obedience. Old Testament Portraits of Spirit-Moved Servants • Genesis 41:38 – Pharaoh recognizes Joseph: “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom is the Spirit of God?” • Exodus 31:3 – Bezalel is “filled … with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge” to build the tabernacle. • Numbers 11:25–29 – The Spirit rests on the seventy elders; Moses longs for the day “the LORD would put His Spirit on them all.” • Judges 3:10 – “The Spirit of the LORD came upon” Othniel, launching him into deliverance. • Judges 6:34 – “The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet.” • Judges 11:29 – The Spirit empowers Jephthah for battle. • Judges 14:6 – Samson tears a lion apart as “the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him.” • 1 Samuel 10:6 – Saul is told, “The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you … and you will be changed into a different man.” • 1 Samuel 16:13 – “The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” • 2 Chronicles 20:14 – Jahaziel speaks God’s strategy when “the Spirit of the LORD came upon” him. • Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news…” (later applied by Jesus). • Micah 3:8 – “I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might.” • Ezekiel 36:27 – God promises, “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” Spirit-Led Moments surrounding Christ’s Birth • Luke 1:15 – John the Baptist “will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.” • Luke 1:35 – Gabriel to Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” • Luke 1:41 – Elizabeth is “filled with the Holy Spirit” and prophesies. • Luke 2:25-27 – Simeon, “moved by the Spirit,” enters the temple to meet the infant Messiah. Jesus: Our Model of Spirit-Empowered Ministry • Luke 4:1 – “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.” • Luke 4:18 – He opens Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me … He has sent Me…” Acts: The Spirit Directs the Growing Church • Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” • Acts 2:4 – All “were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” • Acts 4:31 – After prayer “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” • Acts 8:29 – “The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to that chariot.’” • Acts 10:19 – The Spirit instructs Peter about Cornelius’ messengers. • Acts 13:2-4 – “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul …’ … Sent forth by the Holy Spirit, they went…” • Acts 16:6-7 – The Spirit redirects Paul, closing some doors and opening others. • Acts 20:22 – Paul heads to Jerusalem “compelled by the Spirit.” Apostolic Teaching on the Spirit’s Ongoing Guidance • Romans 8:14 – “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • 1 Corinthians 12:11 – “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one as He wills.” • 2 Peter 1:21 – “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” Putting It Together From craftsmen to prophets, judges to apostles, and from the cradle to the cross, Scripture consistently shows the Holy Spirit initiating, empowering, and directing God’s people. Ezekiel’s sudden relocation by the Spirit (3:14) stands alongside countless moments where the same divine Person moves willing hearts to accomplish the Father’s perfect will. |
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