Introduction
It’s beautiful to look at the various symbols that are tradition- ally used to represent the Holy Spirit, and think about what it means. We find various symbols of many things on this Earth. And we do have various symbols of the Holy Spirit also, but these symbols were not man-made, but of heavenly origin.
The Holy Spirit as a Dove
The most classic symbol that we remember about the Holy Spirit is the dove, depicted in many icons since the beginning of the New Testament. A beautiful scene portrayed in the New Testament about the Spirit of God as a dove is when He came upon Jesus at the beginning of His earthly ministry.
Scriptural Reference: “And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” (Matthew 3:16-17).
The Heavenly Dove
This is the most beautiful scene that we remember about the Holy Spirit, and also about the dove. When we live a life pleasing to God, He will descend on our life and remain as the Heavenly Dove.
Scriptural Reference: “And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.'” (John 1:32-34).
The Spirit Descending
Note that the Holy Spirit was not ‘hovering’ on Jesus, or ‘sitting’ on His shoulder or on His head. The Holy Spirit of God descended on Jesus as a dove and remained on Him. There was no hide and seek, no ‘coming and going’. The Spirit of God remained on Jesus.
Pleasing to God
The Spirit came into the life of Jesus as a dove because Jesus, as a Son of Man, lived a life pleasing to God. That is why the Voice from Heaven said, “… with you I am well pleased.”
Scriptural Reference: “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” (Hebrews 1:9).
Characteristics of the Dove
Doves are small, soft birds of the pigeon family known for their soft cooing, gentleness, and peacefulness.
The Gentle Voice
As we get filled with the Holy Spirit every day and allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives by following His inspirations, an awesome gentleness and peace will pervade our lives and our inner selves. Just as a dove coos, so the Holy Spirit keeps speaking to us through His small, gentle, still voice. As you learn to hear His still, small voice and obey, you will find the Holy Spirit as a dove in your life.
The Transformative Power
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, a trickle becomes a stream, and the stream becomes a river, pulsating with His power.
The Holy Spirit as a River
Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as “rivers of living water” flowing from the believer’s heart. This symbolizes the life-giving and refreshing nature of the Spirit.
- Scriptural Reference: “He cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.'” (John 7:37-39).
- Revelation: “Then He showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1).
When we let the Holy Spirit work in us, a trickle becomes a stream, and the stream becomes a river, pulsating with His power.
The Holy Spirit as a Cloud
The cloud symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s presence, often referred to as the Glory Cloud. This manifestation can be seen in both the Old and New Testaments.
- Old Testament: “And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD” (1 Kings 8:10-11).
- New Testament: “While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said…” (Luke 9:34-35).
Experiencing the Glory Cloud through praise, worship, and prayer allows us to carry His presence wherever we go, transforming our lives and those around us.
How Can You Embrace These Symbols?
Understanding the symbols of the Holy Spirit can help us connect more deeply with Him. How can you embrace these symbols in your life and become a carrier of His presence?
