As you read a text like Mark 1:10, it is difficult to miss the author’s choice of words. Many of the English translations suck the life out of this verse by translating the word schizo to make it equivalent to the bland word opened. There is overwhelming consensus in the lexicons and theological dictionaries that this word is more appropriately translated torn or split. There is an element of violence involved in schizo.^[1]

My point in this, is the breathtaking energy in the text as the lovely Jesus is baptized. It is an event that so compels the heart of God that He actually tore the heavens open before the eyes of His dear Son, and between Father and Son was the Spirit, completely in union with the first and second members of the Trinity. This passage makes for fruitful meditation. My point here is that in this vibrant moment of deep communion, the Holy Spirit is in thorough agreement with both the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is moved with the same passion as God is moved as He grasps the heavens in His hands and rips them aside to gaze upon His treasured Son. The Spirit is also wholly enraptured by the yearning heart of the Son to please His Father absolutely in everything He does. Oh the moment of wonderful communion and shared passion between the members of the Trinity.

In Luke 4:14, Jesus is ministering in Galilee in the power of the Spirit, seen in His preaching in verse 18. It is the Holy Spirit’s delight to declare the identity of Jesus. Consider John the Baptist’s testimony in John 1:33. I take great pleasure in introducing people I love and respect to other people. When I introduce them, I want those people to come to love and respect them as well. How wonderful that the Holy Spirit was with Jesus, declaring His identity I in a world that had no love, respect or time for Him (John 1:10-11).

The enthusiastic, God-honouring work of the Spirit is so clear in the way He gives life to dead sinners. He takes the accomplished work of Christ and applies it to spiritual corpses, giving them life overflowing! This is the Lord’s message to Nicodemus in John 3.

The Holy Spirit speaks about Jesus in this world (John 15:26). As the Father sent Jesus into this world, so Jesus has sent His people into this world. As your heart is moved by the grandeur of the gospel of God and speak it, the Holy Spirit is speaking too.

In Romans 8:13-14, the Holy Spirit continually motivates His people to personal holiness. Holiness thrills the heart of the Triune God (Romans 8:5 speaks about the Spirit’s desires).

My point this morning is to show the delightful, intimate passion for the same things among the members of the Trinity. Eternal, satisfying, thrilling existence!