Descending Like a Dove

Being empowered to fulfill the plan of God upon your life will include warfare. 

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See, I told you the Holy Spirit is like a dove!  This scripture is profound as we see Jesus coming before man, John the Baptist, to be baptized by him.  John was a little hesitant, but wouldn’t you be?  

Here is John in the Jordan River baptizing followers, and “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jodan to be baptized by John.  But John tried to deter Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? Jesus replied, “Let it be proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.  Then John consented.”  Matthew 3:  13-15

  • If Jesus asks us to do something and we are hesitant, the best response is to consent or be in agreement.  
  • There is power in agreement.  

Yes, God has a reason for everything!  This occasion marked the beginning of Jesus as Messiah and His ministry.  It was necessary for Jesus to fulfill what had been spoken forth.  

  • Baptism indicates being consecrated to God and for His service.   

The importance of what was visually displayed before the people was pronouncing an approval which was shown in the descent of the Holy Spirit.  

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.  At that moment heaven was opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him.”  Matthew 3: 16

Take note here:  Jesus is fully identifying Himself with man’s sin and failure (though He Himself needed no repentance or cleansing from sin).
He is becoming our substitute. 

His Holy Spirit baptism was an example to His followers, the ones standing right among Him, and the ones to come forth in later years.  In those later years, that would be us now as Jesus’ followers.  

  • As we model His actions, He says, “Go and do likewise.”

Prior to Jesus coming on the scene, John had just finished telling the people this, “I baptize you with water for repentance.  But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”  Matthew 3: 11

I repeat what Jesus said, “Let it be so now!”

The prophet Joel proclaimed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on God’s people.  

So, some people ask the question as a Christ-follower, “Is Holy Spirit inside of us and does He come upon us?”  I answer yes to both!  

The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus not to overcome sin, for He was sinless.  He descended upon Him to equip Him for His work as the divine-human Messiah. 

Jesus was already filled with the Holy Spirit–He’s God. Why would He model having the Spirit descending upon Him if He wasn’t modeling it for us?  Just saying…

There is an interesting scripture in the Old Testament when Othniel was called by God as a judge to deliver his people.  “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war.”  Judges 3: 10a

The Holy Spirit empowered then and empowers now.  

I say, once again, as Jesus said, “Let it be so now!”  

As soon as Jesus was baptized and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He now is led right into war, a spiritual war with the devil in the desert for forty days and forty nights.  

  • Being empowered to fulfill the plan of God upon your life will include warfare. 

It is the Spirit of God that enables us to endure this warfare.  His presence in and upon our life is part of the calling.  

Even Othniel learned about being empowered so he could overpower the enemy.  Scripture tells us that the Lord gave the enemy “Into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him.”   Judges 3: 10b

  • So it is with us.  
  • We are empowered to overpower.
  • The Holy Spirit gives us the victory over our enemy.  
  • We need Holy Spirit in and upon our lives.  

Oh, Lord, rend the heavens and come down!  We need you!  


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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com

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