In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Genesis 1:1-2

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

Hebrews 9:14

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27

I hadn’t really noticed many Ford C-Max cars before. Then I got one. And now they’re everywhere. It’s amazing what you detect when you’re primed to notice.

It would be an understatement to say not much happens without the Holy Spirit’s involvement. Like the other persons of the Trinity, he too has a rather exhaustive job description: ordering the cosmos; empowering the people of God; unifying the church; convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement; delivering the spoils of Christ’s victory to sinners; confirming our identity as God’s children; making us holy; keeping us on track. And the whole time, he’s interceding on our behalf. And you thought you were busy!

The Spirit was central to the birth, life, mission, death, and resurrection of Christ. In the New Testament, there are no less than 261 passages in which the Spirit is mentioned. He’s not some bit-part player in the story of Scripture, but central at every point. It’s important to notice that.

Today, in our hearts, in our churches, in our families, and on our frontlines, he is 100% interested. 100% involved. Sometimes we just need someone to remind us of his presence to give us that ‘oh yeah’ moment. Because when we notice him, hope awakens, vision widens, and joy blossoms. We see the hand of God working wonders around us. We remember there is so much more; that life’s not just down to us.

If you’re already conscious of the Spirit’s ongoing work in your life, awesome! Keep noticing. But if not, may this reflection act like a spiritual MRI, revealing something of the hidden miracles taking place in your life every day. That might mean being aware of your status as a son or daughter of God when you feel the need to prove yourself. Or becoming more alive to the mission of God, knowing that the Spirit who hovered over the waters, and who rested upon the Lord Jesus, is calling you out into God’s world. You might notice how God is shifting something in the heart of a neighbour, a child, or that person you chat to at the shop. It might be noticing that ‘unnatural’ patience you showed with that customer, and in the delight you experience in your work.

What will you notice this week?

Joe Warton