Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
When Jesus speaks of “God” he refers to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, a very specific divine person who revealed his presence to the Jewish people. This is the God who led the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt and fed them in the desert; the God who raised a shepherd boy to rule over the new nation; who intentionally surrendered Israel and Judah to foreign invasions because of their infidelity, who sent them into Babylonian Captivity, and finally brought them back to Jerusalem.
This is a God who has shown his love by superabundant generosity and his supreme authority by protecting his chosen people against the world’s greatest armies. This God has proven himself trustworthy.
In response, this God demands our unconditional trust in the face of hardship and disappointment. We should believe everything – good or bad -- happens according to God’s mysterious purposes. We should understand that God owes us no explanation even as we believe in God’s benevolent and watchful eye.
We should also appreciate the prophetic spirit which reveals our sins. That too is merciful for we do not want to be expelled from friendship with God.
Finally, as Jesus tells us today, this faithful God “does not ration his gift of the Spirit.” We are capable of complete trust in God despite our not knowing God’s plans for us. We are capable of astonishing generosity and stunning courage. Like the empty water jars in Cana, we are vessels which overflow with blessings when filled with the Holy Spirit – if only we trust in God.
The passion, death, and resurrection first demonstrate God’s blessings upon human fidelity, and then opens the floodgates of God’s spirit into our hearts. We could not be saved without his sacrifice; we could not know how to respond in kind without the story.
Perhaps the greatest heresy of our time is our assumption that we can live within God’s law by simply deciding to do so. “I have the power” as one drug commercial likes to say. Actually I don’t. Without the Holy Spirit I cannot accomplish the smallest act of kindness. With the Holy Spirit I can do the impossible. Our Trustworthy God does not ration the gift of the Spirit to those who are willing to do whatever he tells you.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.