The Power of Water

Water is one the most essential materials on the earth. Water sustains life. Water cleanses. Water heals. Water refreshes.  It is the object of many kinds of recreation and fun. However, it can also be the source of great destruction.

There is news this week that California’s Oroville Dam is collapsing. The dam is succumbing to the power of water and putting thousands of people in harm’s way. A traditional Japanese proverb says that water is the most powerful force on earth. From the chasms of the Grand Canyon to the smooth round rocks found in a river, we see that given enough force and/or enough time, nothing can stand up against water.

Water and Spirit

A very insightful description of the Holy Spirit’s work is likened unto water. It is by the water of the Holy Spirit that we are brought into God’s family, that our lives are transformed, and that they are made effective.

“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

“We are saved through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5)

“John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:5, 8)

“He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

Filled Again?

After Peter and John had been arrested, interrogated, and threatened by the Jewish rulers, they returned to their brothers and sisters in Christ. They cried out to God in prayer.  Then we are told,

“When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)

These are the same people who were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Now we are told that they were “all filled with the Holy Spirit” again.

What happened? Did the Holy Spirit leave them?

The power of the Holy Spirit is not static. It’s not like a lake or a pond, but like a river or an ocean. Flowing. Moving. Changing. We do not possess the Holy Spirit, He possess us! The Holy Spirit immerses us in the love and life of God’s kingdom. Not just once, but ongoingly.

As we live, minister, serve, give, etc., the Holy Spirit’s strength and power within us dissipates. We need to press in again to God for a new filling with the Holy Spirit.  We need to submerge ourselves again and again in the Holy Spirit’s deep oceans, and experience the power of water.