May 8, 2019 -- Genesis 1:2 -- The Holy Spirit "Brooding"

The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Genesis 1:2 ESV

What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Yesterday I was listening to a teaching by Sinclair Ferguson on that very topic. Unexpectedly he started with this passage from Genesis. Before the work of creation started there was chaos and darkness and emptiness. And what is the Spirit of God doing? He is hovering. He is present. He is active.

Then Ferguson made the comparison. Before a man encounters Jesus as the One Who saves this man from his sin and the LORD acts as the Who has the right to direct his life, the Spirit is already present. The Spirit hovers. It is the picture of the Spirit’s protection. It is the picture of the Spirit preparing his heart for the creative work of God and his head for the beautiful works of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Before Christ enters someone’s life, the person is dead in his sin and wrong-doing. Life is chaotic, without purpose. Everything changes when the work of the Spirit brings the grace of Jesus to bear on that life. Over all of this the Spirit hovers, preparing the person for the Light of Christ. The Spirit hovers, guarding this life from lasting destruction. The Spirit hovers, bringing about the times and circumstances that are needful so that Christ’s work will take hold and bring a new creation.

One translation for this verse is: the Spirit of God was brooding over the face of the waters. I always thought “what a weird thing—the Spirit of God showing menacing thoughts or being moody.” The original Hebrew word however refers to a bird that broods its eggs, sitting there protecting the life that will emerge from the eggs, protecting the young from the elements and predators. What a picture that is as well. The Spirit of God hovering, brooding over us until we come to faith. And for those who know Jesus Christ to realize the Spirit of God protects believers from harm, and raises us up in the way of Christ.

In Proverbs we read these words spoken by wisdom personified:

I love those who love me,

and those who seek me diligently find me.

Riches and honor are with me,

enduring wealth and righteousness.

My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold

and my yield than choice silver.

Proverbs 8:17-19 ESV

The Spirit of God hovers over us, directing us in the path of wisdom. It is hard work to search out wisdom. It takes effort to learn more of God, of His creation and His work in us and in His Church and in bringing all of history to its rightful conclusion. Know that the brooding Spirit is over you, near you, prompting your heart, nudging you, until the time of your fledging is done and wisdom unfolds into your life and you learn to fly.

Ah God of Mercy and tenderest love, thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the great and benevolent care You expend on us. Thank You Spirit of God that Your work always brings order out of the chaos of our lives and anchors us in Christ our King. God of Power direct us in the way of wisdom and make us diligent in the pursuit of wisdom’s ways. Amen.