THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
I love how Paul balances his words to describe the three-dimensional unity of God.
Behind everything there is this one divine reality: the same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God.
The bible never mentions trinity, but often describes this three-dimensional nature of God.
“Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Somehow, beyond our mental comprehension, the One God exists in a threefold way.
They are distinct, yet they are one… a tri-unity, or trinity.
Paul here says that the Father, the Son (Lord) and the Spirit all work equally in distributing gifts.
I would say this is true of all the works of God: creation, providence, love, mercy, etc.
They work together, like partners, in a perfectly harmonized dance of love.
“For through him (Jesus) we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18)
We are made, saved by God, and supported by the One God, Father, Son and Spirit.
Paul is not explaining the triune nature of God, he is describing it as best he can.
He is showing us how we find our unity in God, despite our diversity.
We are all unique and different, yet we’re all surrounded and supported by the same threefold God.
No one can claim more Spirit, or more God, or more Jesus, than others.
Don’t try to figure this out, instead allow yourself to be immersed in God’s fullness.
To rest in the threefold fullness of God: OVER us (Father), WITH us (Son), and IN us (Spirit).
Step into the ocean of this mystery and allow it to surround, support and bless you.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, though my mind can’t fathom Your mysterious union with God and the Spirit, my heart trembles with deep joy and love as I allow Your triune fullness to baptize and bless me.