The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

Where would we be without the Holy Spirit? Let us never overlook how important the Holy Spirit is to us on this journey.

Today’s devotional reading: Acts 2:36-41

The gift we most desire is the gift of dwelling in God’s kingdom for everlasting life, but don’t overlook the gift of receiving the Holy Spirit. You should certainly desire to receive the Holy Spirit just as much as you desire to receive any other gift from the Lord.

Before His ascension, Christ told the apostles to remain in Jerusalem until Pentecost, so that they could receive the promise from the Father (Acts 1:4-5). The promise that Jesus referred to was the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The gift of the Holy Spirit lies within the role He serves in the lives of all believers. While the apostles walked with Christ, Jesus explained that they wouldn’t be able to understand some of His teachings until He ascended and the Holy Spirit descended (John 16:12). Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit would serve in the role of leading Jesus’ disciples (all who sincerely follow Him) into all truth (John 16:13). Jesus also explained that the Holy Spirit takes what is of Christ and declares it to His disciples, therefore, bringing further clarity to us (John 16:14).

Yes, the kingdom of heaven is the prize and reward to all who believe and walk by faith. Yet, the Holy Spirit is the gift that helps to lead us to the kingdom. For without the Holy Spirit, none of us would be able to make it to the kingdom because its path would be hidden to us. So, as Peter said in his first sermon on the day of Pentecost, I say to those who haven’t done so already, repent and be baptized in the name of Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit so that you may one day dwell with in the Father’s house for everlasting life.