LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Dove of God
"And when Jesus was baptized, he came up straightway out of the water; and, behold, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting upon him" (Matthew 3:16).
The Lord chose this well-known bird to symbolize His glorious Spirit. It is the dove that descended upon the Lord Jesus at his baptism, and which speaks to us of tenderness, gentleness, simplicity and innocence.
A dove is timid; it is easily frightened and flees. How is it that the Spirit of God, being so strong -omnipotent- wanted to be represented in this way? It is a mystery that has not been fully clarified. However, we must be zealous so as not to offend this Dove, nor frighten her. Let us be delicate, tender and careful. Let us not sin, let us not raise our voices too high, let us not do violence to her.
"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30). Once its holiness has been affected, it can remain many days sad, in a corner of our heart, without taking flight. The Lord Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit, because there was no sin in Him, and because His character was sweet and gentle. He neither contended nor lifted up His voice. "No man shall hear His voice in the streets", said the prophet of Him.
In Israel, the dove was the offering of the poor. When an Israelite had no money to offer a goat or a calf, he could offer a dove. "And if he has not enough for a lamb, he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the Lord to make atonement for his sin which he has committed" (Lev. 5:7). This was precisely the offering of Joseph and Mary when they presented the child Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, which demonstrates his humility. He never draws attention to Himself, but to the Lord Jesus Christ. However, in his humiliation, the Holy Spirit is exalted by the Lord himself, when he said: "All sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven them" (Matt. 12:31).
One of the most amazing characteristics of the dove is its ability to return to its nest from the most remote places; therefore, man has used it to send messages. This characteristic of the dove suggests to us the faithfulness and gentleness of the Holy Spirit, who returns to enliven the heart of the one who has despised and alienated Him. No matter how much we have grieved him, he will return to gladden the heart if it turns to God.
The dove of God coos in our hearts, and makes us feel his presence. May the Lord help us not to sin against the Holy Spirit, nor hinder him from doing his work in us and through us.