June 6: The Spirit Over History

“10The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him.” –Judges 3.10
How amazing are the very first words of this passage? “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him.” When humanity fell under God’s curse in Genesis 3, all seemed lost. Could humanity ever know God, could we ever experience His Spirit again? God answers this by choosing to send His spirit - the Holy Spirit - into the world to accomplish His purposes!
When the Spirit of God came upon Othniel, God’s people Israel were under the power of the king of Mesopotamia. And yet, God had in His mind the plan to care for His people, and to save the world through them, in Jesus. The Spirit of God often came upon people in the Old Testament (Judges 6.34, 11.29, 14.6, 14.19, 1 Samuel 16.13, 2 Chronicles 7.14). The purpose of the Holy Spirit’s coming down was to accomplish God’s great plan for humanity – complete salvation.
Because, you see, God never leaves His people alone (Deuteronomy 31.6). Every time they encounter trouble, He goes with them, and He rescues them. And our comfort is this: God will send the Holy Spirit to finally accomplish His purpose of overcoming evil and saving every person whom He has called.
1. Why is it so significant that God sent His spirit into the world to complete tasks through people?
2. In what areas of your life do you look forward to God sending the Holy Spirit to overcome evil and save you? Take time to thank God that He has promised to do this, and so that it will happen (Philippians 1.6).