As the Spirit of God descended upon the Lord Jesus, the head, so he descends upon us, the members of his mystical body. And he comes to us in the very same way he came to our Lord.
There is often a singular rapidity about it. Before we even know it, we are impelled onward and heavenward beyond all expectation. Yet there is none of the hurry of earthly haste—the wings of the dove are as soft as they are swift.
Quietness seems essential to many spiritual operations. The Lord is in the still, small voice. Like the dew, his grace is distilled in silence.
The dove has ever been the chosen emblem of purity, and the Holy Spirit is holiness itself. Where he comes, everything that is pure and lovely and of good report is made to abound. Sin and uncleanness depart. Peace reigns wherever this Holy Dove comes with power. He bears the olive branch which shows that the waters of divine wrath are assuaged.
Gentleness is a sure result of the Sacred Dove's transforming power. Hearts touched by his benign influence are meek and lowly henceforth and forever.
And harmlessness follows, as a matter of course. Eagles and ravens may hunt their prey—the turtledove can endure wrong, but cannot inflict it. We must be harmless as doves.
The dove is an apt picture of love. The voice of the turtle is full of affection! And so the soul visited by the blessed Spirit abounds in love to God, in love to the brethren, in love to sinners, and above all, in love to Jesus.
The brooding of the Spirit of God upon the face of the deep first produced order and life. And in our hearts, he causes and fosters new life and light.
Blessed Spirit, as you did rest upon our dear Redeemer, even so rest upon us from this time forward and forever.
Closing Prayer
Today, be still enough to notice the dove. He comes in quietness, but when he arrives, everything changes. Let him rest on you.