A Life In The Spirit

Now it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle of the Testimony. Numbers 10:11

The wilderness journey of the Israelites is an example and object lesson for contemporary believers (1 Cor. 10:11). The Passover speaks to us of the salvation experience, with Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The crossing of the Red Sea speaks of water baptism, when a believer is separated from the bondage of “Egypt” into a life of faith and promise. And Mount Sinai is a picture of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. For 10 months, the people of God encamped at Mount Sinai. And during this period of time, God came upon the mountain in glory and power.

The baptism in the Spirit is an important experience in a believer’s life for five good reasons.

• Firstly, the baptism in the Holy Spirit gives you the power to be an effective witness. Jesus promises, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8). When we go into all the world to preach the gospel, Jesus expects us to speak in tongues, cast out demons and lay hands on the sick to heal them (Mark 16:15-18). In short, move in power evangelism.

• Secondly, the baptism in the Holy Spirit purifies you: “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire … He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matt. 3:11-12). The fire of the Spirit will burn away whatever that is useless in your life. Only the good will remain and be strengthened.

• Thirdly, the baptism in the Holy Spirit opens up God’s truth and revelation to you. It was at Mount Sinai that the Ten Commandments were given. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. He will bring to your remembrance the words and commandments of God. The moment uneducated Peter was baptized in the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, he could quote the Scriptures of Joel effortlessly, understand the revelation it contained and expound boldly on it to the multitude in Jerusalem.

• Fourthly, the baptism in the Holy Spirit opens the door to the supernatural realm. The first thing that always happens is the speaking in an unknown tongue. Then there are eight other miraculous, spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit will bestow on you whenever the need arises. Without the Spirit baptism, your Christianity would be nothing more than a dry, intellectual, moralistic faith.

Finally, the baptism in the Holy Spirit brings divine guidance and order to your life. It was after Mount Sinai that the Israelites started to march in the order of their tribes. The mob mentality was gone as the laws of God promoted order among them. When you are filled with the Spirit, His leading becomes obvious to you. Your life now is characterized by divine purpose, discipline and structure.