Holy Spirit, come
by Jeremy Lie
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But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you (Matthew 12:28).
Read Matthew 12:22–32
In this passage, we read about the ‘unforgivable sin’: to denounce the Holy Spirit. My initial question is, ‘Why does Jesus care so much about the Holy Spirit?’ My further thoughts wonder: Is it really unforgivable, or have I ever unintentionally (or perhaps intentionally) done this? If so, can I be forgiven?
Anyone reading this could be justified in having myriad questions that develop in response. I wonder what questions come to your mind.
I don’t believe Jesus wanted us to be fearful of the Holy Spirit. In fact, I think Jesus is using the law as a mirror, holding it up to the Pharisees to say, ‘Look where your thinking gets you’.
It is not uncommon for Jesus to speak in hyperbole and emotionally heightened ways around the chief priests, scribes and Pharisees (‘brood of vipers’). In the religious system of the day, they were ultimately responsible for teaching and facilitating the worship life of the Jewish people. So, naturally, Jesus holds them to a higher standard and is appalled when authority is abused to elevate the powerful and diminish the vulnerable.
So, perhaps, if this is where you find yourself, in charge of the care for people’s souls (pastors, chaplains, ministry workers), then pay close attention to how seriously Jesus considers the Holy Spirit and spiritual authority in this passage.
As a follower of Christ, I am encouraged by his words in verse 28. We shouldn’t be made fearful by Jesus’ power and authority but be comforted and strengthened. We are on Jesus’ side and are for Jesus because Jesus is on our side, and Jesus is for us. Paul states that the battle is not with the flesh but with the spiritual powers and principalities of our world. And, when we pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. So, no matter how meagre or measly we feel our prayer is, it is not in our authority that we pray but in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We pray: Holy Spirit, come. Help us find strength and courage when our souls are weak and defeated. Be the words of our hearts when our tongues are tied and our mouths are dry. Guide us to trust in your power, not our own ability or wisdom. Amen.
In 2023, Jeremy started his own business, Happy Chappy, through which he sells resources for creating connections to educators, friends or anyone who wants to have better, bigger conversations.
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