…Being Led by the Holy Spirit
ABRAHAM ...being led by the Spirit
If we consider the Biblical Guidance and the wholeness of the Scriptural accounts of all who were written about, we can see how the Holy Spirit is rooted in the concept of spiritual discernment and sanctification.
This perspective suggests that a person’s actions and perceptions are aligned with inspired purpose through faith.
The role of the Holy Spirit in human faculties is undeniable. If we are searching, we can also see where the Father used many other forms of His Truth to assist Abraham (and others) to learn of and from Him. We can also see that this Promise was not only mentioned from the lips of prophets, but Yeshua Himself. Paul referenced them as well.
Experiencing ADONAI in various ways is a Word and Spirit benefit for our obedience.
Many people want to see with their eyes (spiritual vision) before we believe in Him. However, this ‘seeing’ refers to the ability to see beyond the physical world to perceive GOD’s work. In Ephesians 1:18 the text speaks of having "the eyes of your heart enlightened" to understand hope and a greater inheritance.
There are people who need to hear the Spirit talking and leading them. We/they want to be certain of the leading they feel. This involves them having the capacity to hear and obey GOD's voice. In Isaiah 50 (v4), we can read how GOD is waking up the ear "to listen like one being instructed." Take the account of Jesus walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and He tells Simon “Peter” and his brother Andrew to “Follow Him, and He will teach them how to fish for men.”
In this passage, we need to understand that Simon’s name means “listener” or “hearer.” That definition does not change when Simon is used. It is VERY significant from that moment on.
The Spirit is often described as a Guide for what to say, especially in times of trial. As trusted followers of the Lord, we need our speech to be inspired by the Words of GOD. Luke 12:12 promises that "the Holy Spirit will teach you and I at that time what we should say."
Living by the Holy Spirit’s guidance is not what we always lean on. Is it? We must be willing to seek out the Truth of GOD. Every one of us must seek and yearn to live with eyes, ears, and words led by the Spirit. As we do, we become comfortable with knowing the direction of the LORD GOD, for us.
Let’s flip a few pages back to Genesis and see where Abram was being introduced to the Voice of a GOD he did not know, though he was affiliated with idols—being from Chaldea. This is the first time he has ever heard a voice from a Person he could not see.
The Voice's communication with Abram is characterized by directness, intimacy, and diversity. There was much communication between the Voice of GOD and Abram, to later be changed to Abraham.
Just like today, GOD did not limit His interaction with Abram (Abraham) to a single method, often using multiple forms to convey His will. Please consider this. It is likely that the LORD GOD has communicated to lead you through difficult times (after you asked Him for answers/help) and you ignored that thought or impression because of your uncertainty, reluctance or lack of faith.
Many encounters began with a direct verbal Command, such as the initial call in Genesis 12, when the Voice told Abram to leave his homeland.
In Genesis 17, He appeared to him as GOD Almighty (El Shaddai). Similarly, in Genesis 18, He appeared in the form of three men (One in particular) near the trees of Mamre, where He shared a meal and discussed the fate of Sodom.
There was a specific moment when GOD spoke to him in a "vision" to reassure him that He was his "Shield and Exceeding Great Reward" (Genesis 15) and during a "deep sleep" El Shaddai revealed the future of Abraham's descendants who will in time find themselves in Egypt. GOD’s Spirit is always speaking and sometimes…suddenly, there He is.
At another time, the LORD called out to him while on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22). "The Angel of the Lord called out from heaven to stop the sacrifice of Isaac." Abraham is uniquely called the "friend of GOD" (Isaiah 41:8 & James 2:23).
NOTE: Are you able to imagine the COST one 'should' pay to be considered as someone's friend? That is a rather overly used term. Do you agree? Are you one who is abusing it?
To be called GOD's friend, you and I would need to reflect on their interactions.
An example of this is in the dialogue between he and One of the three men. This was not a "this is what I said, and it will happen this way" exchange. It seems to me; Abraham was comfortable with this Individual enough to try to save the people of Sodom from the Righteous Judge.
I've heard someone refer to it as "holy haggling". I chose to view it as a negotiation, for those he loved, not the cities themselves. Was it boldness? Maybe it was a level of confidence in the One he has come to know and experience. We've read this over the years when he humbly pleaded with the Judge to spare the righteous ones in Sodom. There was a bargaining for souls where the number went down from 50 to 10. The LORD GOD knew.
NOTE: These is always an importance to understand the way and when the Spirit of GOD would be assisting us.
Did you know that Numbers 11:16-30 is a prophetic seed of Shavuot (Pentecost)?
The Spirit on Moses is distributed to 70 elders.
They prophesy.
Two men outside the tent also receive the Spirit.
Moses said, “[I] Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets!”
In Acts 2 should not be a surprise to any one of us, if we are readers and studiers of the Scriptures.
The Spirit is poured out on all flesh.
Sons, daughters, young, old, servants—all prophesy.
Peter quotes Joel, which either is/or could be Moses’ longing expanded.
The Spirit that rested on Moses was shared with the Elders. Who did the giving? GOD did it. We see it in Numbers 11:16–30
This scene is one of the most beautiful early pictures of distributed leadership, shared burden, and the freedom of sharing of the Spirit in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Per the Word of GOD, the Holy Spirit came upon Moses for specific, leadership, as seen in Numbers 11:17 and 25.
In contrast, the Spirit was in/on Yeshua (Jesus) permanently, without measure (being gauged), reflecting His divine nature rather than just temporary empowerment.
Spirit on Moses: In the Old Testament, the Spirit came "upon" individuals, such as Moses and the elders, to empower them for specific tasks.
Spirit in Yeshua: Yeshua was described as having the Spirit of GOD within Him, which is often contrasted with the temporary, "upon" empowerment of the Old Covenant, noted by Blogger.com and neverthirsty.org.
Prophet Like Moses: Although Yeshua is the prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), the New Testament emphasizes that He possesses the Spirit fully, not just for a limited time or specific administrative purpose.
In both the Tanakh (first 39 Books of Scripture) and the Brit Chadashah (Renewed Testament), the Spirit of Elohim (GOD) transforms specific individuals by taking their inherent human traits and refining (enabling) them for the LORD’s usage.
Referring to David’s experience with the Spirit… It reflects an ongoing Spirit enabling that began with his being anointed for his kingly role. If you recall, this strengthening (and Holy Spirit ability) continued through his deepest struggles. …and he had many.
Do you recall when the prophet Samuel anointed David with oil? This is the Truth behind the term, “being anointed.” It is NOT the flippant way we throw around the term today. This is the same manner the High Priest of GOD (temple) were selected and set apart for GOD’s service.
The Spirit of the LORD (Ruach HaChodesh of YHWH) rested upon David from that day forward. This Spirit did not replace David's natural skills as a shepherd and musician but emphasized them, providing the courage to face Goliath and the wisdom to lead a kingdom.
Did You Know… David, the King, acknowledged that his creative and prophetic abilities were a direct result of the Spirit. Here is one of his quotes of impact: "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His Word was on my tongue" –2 Samuel 23:2
The Ruach (Spirit/Breath) is not just the Force that gives you and I life, but the "Power Plant" that activates and strengthens our natural character, skills, and emotions.
NOTE: I had never heard this saying until recently, but He (It) is often described as the "Verb" to our existence. In other words, He is the Active Energy that moves our potential into reality.
The Holy Spirt is the Power that assists the Salvation. Every single believer must access this Power, for He is the Active Piece of the change(s) we experience. The Holy Spirit applies to this authoritative ability, the acts of conviction, regeneration, indwelling and enabling are the aftermath that assists every believer to live transformed lives.
Here is a question someone may be curious about, so, I will pretend that you asked it. “How does the Spirit of GOD strengthen our already designed self?” That is a really good question.
The Ruach activates the specific characteristics GOD already designed in you. “How?” Another good question. A cool example is when “Bezalel was filled with the Ruach of GOD to enhance his natural wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in craftsmanship—Exodus 31:3
Have you ever experienced some unusual courage, when you needed it the most? When GOD strengthens a person's spirit, He often reinforces their existing determination, as seen when He "reinforced Elijah’s spirit" to perform extraordinary physical feats. That is not only courage, but confidence in his faith.
Isaiah 11:2: Describes the Ruach as a source of "wisdom and understanding" and "counsel and might".
Ezekiel 2:2: Mentions the Ruach entering a person to "set them on their feet," representing a literal and metaphorical strengthening of their stance in the world.
Job 32:8: Declares that the "spirit in man" combined with the "breath (Spirit) of the Almighty" gives them understanding.
Here is an account where man often overlooks the willing ability to restore a man, after repentance.
He gets a renewed heart through repentance (sound like the ReNewed people of Israel, after Jesus).
After David’s sin with Bathsheba, his transformation was internal. Do you recall reading his plea in Psalm 51—"Take not Your Holy Spirit from me?" This should be not only a revelation for us to see that need for the Holy Spirit for our renewal, but for the king, He/It was essential for maintaining a "right" and contrite spirit in him.
What about Simon (also called Peter)? In the Brit Chadashah, his makeover is one of the most dramatic "before and after" stories, fueled by his relationship with Yeshua and the arrival of the Comforter. Following his denial of Yeshua (Jesus), Peter was broken by his own failure. Yeshua’s post-resurrection encounter with Peter on the shore (John 21) restored him, altering his identity from a shamed fisherman back to a "shepherd" of the flock.
Before Shavuot (Pentecost), Simon was impulsive and easily intimidated, even by a servant girl. After being filled with the Holy Spirit (the Comforter) during the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost), he was transformed into a faithful talmid (disciple) who became a fearless Qoheleth (preacher) who boldly addressed the very crowds and leaders he once feared.
In another account, Numbers 11 shares with us the moment when the LORD told Moses to “Select (70) men as leaders, so He could take from His Spirit on Moses, and place Him (Holy Spirit) on them as well.”
NOTE: Two men who didn’t even make it to the tent also received the Spirit.
NOTE: This is the first Biblical hint that GOD’s Spirit is not confined to certain spaces, or people.
Joshua wanted Moses to stop the men from prophesying. However, Moses gave him an unexpected response. “[I] would like it if all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put His Spirit on them!” –Numbers 11:29
Hmm…? “Meanwhile, back at the ranch…”
Joel 2 (“I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh”)
Acts 2 (Pentecost)
The ReNewed Covenant vision of a Spirit-filled community
NOTE: Moses longed for a day when GOD’s Spirit is shared with all is now the norm, not the exception.
Oh yeah… The Spirit empowered Peter (the meaning of his nickname is also important) to perform "the works of Messiah," including healing the lame and even raising the dead (Acts 9:36–42), demonstrating that the Spirit's Power now flowed through ordinary man.
Let’s go a little further and a bit DEEPR…
The Hebraic understanding of immersion (baptism) centers on a transition of a current physical state.
Tevilah (immersion)—Unlike the Greek word baptizo, which focus on the act of dipping, Tevilah emphasizes the result, which is the person becoming ritually pure or set apart for a specific purpose.
Mayim Chayim (Living Water)—To be valid, a Mikvah traditionally requires "living water" (moving water from a natural source like rain or a river). This symbolizes the Ruach HaChodesh (Holy Spirit) as the Source of life and renewal.
The "Womb" of Water: Immersion is often viewed as a symbolic rebirth. Just as a child is submerged in water before birth, the person emerging from the Mikvah is considered a "new creation," leaving their past state behind to enter a new identity.
Let’s relate all of this to the act and purpose of Spirit Immersion:
While water immersion (tevilah) addresses ritual purity, the immersion (engagement/involvement) of the Spirit (Ruach) focuses on functional enabling and internal transformation.
Receiving the Spirit of GOD is nothing short of the person being the activation for GOD’s assignment. Just as Yeshua (Jesus) was immersed (water and Spirit) before beginning His Father’s plan, Spirit immersion is seen as an upgrade into one's purpose. It provides the "might" and "wisdom" (Isaiah 11:2) needed to fulfill a divine calling.
If we internalize the TANAKH (the Word of the first 39 Books), we will see and understand how prophets like Ezekiel promised that GOD would put a "new spirit" within His people (Israel), causing them to walk in His statutes (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
The Spirit's purpose is to write the Word on the heart, making obedience a natural inner desire rather than an external obligation. The Torah and TANAKH prepares us for the coming of the Messiah to live on the earth. When He (Jesus) departed, the Holy Spirit came to those waiting and watching in obedience.
“…and behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with Power from on high.” –Luke 24:49
“…but ye shall receive Power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” –Act 1”8
There still remains the topic about the LORD “equipping” His people with Gifts of the Spirit? Keeping in line with the Immersion (baptism) in the Spirit… He "takes possession of the believer’s abilities," imparting Spiritual Gifts for service, spiritual warfare, and bold witness.
Being intimate with the Spirit of GOD is when we commune with His Presence. This constant communication marks our transition from knowing about GOD to experiencing His Kavod (Weighty Presence) and Shekhinah (indwelling Presence) directly.
NOTE: The idea of GOD "dwelling" among the Israelites is central to the Torah. This is initially seen in Exodus 25:8, GOD Commands, "Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." The word for "dwell" (shakan) is the root of "Shekhinah".
The internal effect (impact and result) of the Holy Spirit dwelling in man is a heart seeking after GOD and genuine repentance. Inconsistency can be replaced by steadfast joy and conviction.
Wait! There is MORE!
Shavuot and Pentecost are like two sides of the same mountain, one rooted in Sinai, the other in Zion. However, they echo each other so closely that you can almost hear the same wind moving through both moments. Why is that? They are the same thing. One is the Biblical Hebrew name. The other is the Greek reference of the same name.
Shavuot (meaning weeks: 49 days) was established by GOD in Leviticus 23
1. Shavuot is one of the (7) Holy Days in Scripture where GOD tells His people, “These are My Feasts”. That means, He has Commanded His people to celebrate them. We can either obey or disobey. Theology and denominations should not dictate to us that we don’t, because they are “for the Jews.” Are you and I grafted into their GOD by faith?
Did You Know…? Shavuot is the 50th day after Passover. “That Day” indicates these (3) Biblical and Cultural dates and seasons:
the wheat harvest
the giving of the Torah at Sinai
the Covenant formation of Israel as a people
It is a festival of firstfruits, revelation, and identity as a People. Shavuot is the moment Israel becomes a people of the covenant.
Fire on the mountain
Voice of God (kol)
Covenant tablets
A nation formed by GOD’s Instruction
Did You Know…? There IS a connection.
Pentecost (means 50 days) — The Feast was in full celebration in Acts Chapter 2 (established in Leviticus 23)
2. Pentecost occurs 50 days after the resurrection, during Shavuot. It is the same festival. It is the same timing, but the Father gave an additional piece of meaning. What was that? Well, some different things happened this time around:
Tongues of fire
The Spirit fills the people
An assortment of languages exploded forth
The people were empowered anew (Covenant Renewed). The Holy Spirit was given, and a new birth took place.
This is not a random day. It is a deliberate confirming resonance of what took place at Sinai. Once more I share, “Pentecost is the Greek name for the Levitical 23 Biblical Festival known in Hebrew as Shavuot.” This is NOT a “Jewish” eccentric Holiday. It is a Biblical Holy Day. If you recall, there was a “rabble” of people (nations) who departed Egypt with Israel’s descendants.
The Command to celebrate this one and the other (6) was given to the (12) Tribes and all who became “gers”—willing followers of the Ways (Laws) of Israel’s GOD.
How about a side-by-side comparison of what happened on Sinai and Zion a few years apart. I was able to locate this table. You know it saved me some time.
THEME:
Shavuot (Sinai)
Pentecost (Zion)
TIMING:
50 days (after Passover)
50 days (after resurrection)
DIVINE MANIFESTATION:
Fire on the mountain
Fire on the people
VOICE:
One Voice heard as thunder
Many voices speaking in tongues
GIFT:
Torah (written on stone)
Spirit (written on hearts)
FORMATION:
Israel becomes a Nation
Israel becomes a Spirit-filled people
MEDIATOR:
Moses
Messiah
OUTCOME:
Covenant Community
ReNewed Covenant with Israel and the expanding community of “gers”