Thursday Reflection August 5, 2021 Avail yourself and let the Holy Spirit do the rest

Thursday Reflection August 5, 2021

Avail yourself and let the Holy Spirit do the rest

“My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power” 1 Corinthians 2:4 NRSV

Good day friends,

Our text today is simple and short and the essence of today’s reflection is captured in the title, “Avail yourself and let the Holy Spirit do the rest”. Paul speaking to the church in Corinth to address the division there amongst other issues, stated in chapter 1 that we all have different roles within the body of Christ. Also God has used the foolishness of this world to confound the wise. For the message of the cross is foolishness to the Jews who ask for a sign from heaven and foolishness to the Greeks who seek human wisdom. However, Paul states in verse 24 of chapter 1 that, “But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Paul continues his discourse on wisdom in chapter 2 stating, he did not come using lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell them about God’s secret plan. Instead in verse 4, he preached in a very plain and simple manner, relying on the Holy Spirit. Paul was a brilliant scholar who could have overwhelmed his listeners with intellectual argument, but instead he shared the simple message of Jesus by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide his words. Paul’s confidence was not in his intellect or speaking ability, but in the knowledge that the Holy Spirit was helping and guiding him.

Whilst education and wisdom are important, reliance on the Holy Spirit is far more important and this is what Paul stresses in this text. Paul came to the realization that all he needs to do is avail himself for the work of the Lord and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. It is the Holy Spirit that empowers and we are just vessels for the work of the Holy Spirit.

If there is total reliance on intellect or wisdom then we do not allow room for the Holy Spirit to work. If we come trusting in our own ability then there is no room for the Holy Spirit to work. If we come trusting only in logics then the Holy Spirit cannot work. What is required of us is to avail ourselves and let the Holy Spirit guide us and direct us. Of course for this to happen means spending quality time with the Lord. This is crucial to any relationship, especially a relationship with the Lord.

So I charge us today let us avail ourselves to the Lord and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Shalom
Christopher Euphfa