“And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.” (Mark 1:10, NRSV)
I was running underneath some elevated train tracks a few weeks ago and approached some pigeons who were hanging out. I run by this particular spot quite a bit so I know it’s a popular place for these birds (there’s a Starbucks right there so maybe that has something to do with it). Usually I run right by and they get out of the way by either stepping aside or flying away, but on this particular day, one bird wanted to get up close and personal. As I drew near, the pigeon launched itself a little too late and as it flew away, it struck me in the face. I was surprised by the force of it and was reminded that even though we often think of birds being graceful (yes, even pigeons), they’re also pretty fierce.
We baptized a little boy in worship last Sunday so it was appropriate to read the text of Jesus’ baptism. When we read the section about the Spirit descending like a dove on him, I always have visions of soaring beauty and the Spirit gently alighting on Jesus. One scholar I read last week, however, wondered since birds are not above dive-bombing, maybe we should think a little more closely about how the Spirit came upon Jesus. Beauty, grace, yes. But also fierceness and strength. (The heavens were torn apart, after all). That’s the kind of Spirit Jesus needed as he was immediately driven into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. I’m guessing he was appreciative of having a strong Spirit of courage in order to confront the challenges he would face.
God gives this same Spirit to all of us, which I find both comforting and a little scary. It’s a Spirit that rests gently, but also a Spirit that strengthens and leads us into wild places. It’s tempting to say, “Pass,” on that kind of Spirit, but to receive this means allowing ourselves to be driven to places of radical love and holy exhilaration. May this Spirit be yours this week and may you say yes to where that Spirit might lead.