November 20, 2024
The Holy Spirit from the Old & New Testaments
an offering by Dick Fichter, parishioner with support from Rev. Dina
Difference in Modis Operandi of the Gifts of the Spirit in the Old and New Testament
Although the spirit is the same throughout the Bible, it is said that there is a different mode of operation of the Spirit in the Old Testament as compared to the Spirit’s operation in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the operation seems more singular to a specific individual, one at a time, as compared to a more universal or pluralistic approach to a group as set forth in the New Testament such as, to the disciples.
From the Old Testament
With respect to the Old Testament, the gifts of the Spirit appear to have been provided to a limited number of individuals, such as prophets and important people by the Spirit.
See for example, Exodus 30:30-35 as follows:
Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; he has filled him with a divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge, and with every kind of skill, to Devis artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of artistic craft.
And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do every kind of work done by an artisan or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue, purple, and crimson yarns and in fine linen or by a weaver—by any sort of skilled worker or designer.
Isaiah 11:1-2 notes the gifts as follows:
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
We learn that the stomp is the beginning of the lineage of David, as the branch that grows from the stomp is David who sleuths Goliath and becomes king of Israel.
An Aside, The Jesse Tree
As an Episcopalian, our family always has an Advent calendar in anticipation of Christmas. It was interesting to learn of a different Advent tradition, the Catholic tradition of a Jesse Tree. I was unaware of the Jesse tree until researching the above verse. The Jesse tree represents Jesus’ family tree. It is said that the name is taken from Isaiah 11:1, in which Jesus is referred to as a shoot coming from the stump of Jesse, the father of David. The ornaments/symbols on the Jesse tree tell of Jesus’ ancestors, and of the events leading to Jesus’ birth.
From the New Testament
With respect to the New Testament, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are described as widely and freely given to many and all who are willing to receive the Holy Spirit. We are in Pentecost, so we recently heard from John 20: 22 that Jesus breathed on them, the Apostles, and said, “receive the Holy Spirit”. This availability is clearly set forth in the sacrament of Holy Baptism, See BCP pages 307-8 as follows:
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Which is followed by you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.
Thank you for your time and we will reflect more about the gifts in next week’s HDM.
Much of this HDM content has come from the Glossary of Terms – The Episcopal Church
A LOOK AT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
NOVEMBER 24
Ingathering Sunday
special fellowship to thank pledgers
Help PREPARE for the Hypothermia Shelter
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- 12/1 – First Sunday in Advent 12/8 – Second Sunday in Advent
- 12/15 – Third Sunday in Advent, Christmas Pageant, during the 10am service
- 12/22 – Fourth Sunday in Advent Blue Christmas service, 7pm
- 12/24 – Christmas Eve 4pm (youth-youth-focused) 9pm Traditional Christmas Eve service with a Musical Prelude at 8:40 pm
- 12/25 – Christmas Day, 10am, Said Service
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