1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (AMP)
For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
For by [ means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit.
The baptism Paul writes of here is not in water but in the Holy Spirit. It is what enters us into relationship with the body which means first with Christ and then with each other. The baptism in the Spirit is what made us connected under one head who is Christ, with one creator who called us named Heavenly Father.
The key analogy is that as a man is dependent on water to survive, we too are equally dependent on the ongoing need to drink Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (AMP)
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.
We can sometimes forget to drink and suffer the consequences of thirst or a headache. It impairs our concentration and makes us more susceptible to infection or disease. Being hydrated in the natural has many health benefits. So it is with the Spirit. We do not do well at all without regular infilling.
Nobody accidentally drinks. Nor is anyone hydrated by opening their mouth expecting rain or another to poor into our mouth. Not only would it not happen but we have no idea what would be poured in! We always take responsibility for noticing how we feel and planning in our day trips to the tap, fountain, shop etc.
There is no need necessarily for a physical journey but there is necessary an inward journey.
John 7:37-39
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Jesus set the example by his first public act of obedience to his Father. He went to a river for spiritual refreshment. Here in the river he heard his Fathers voice, felt affirmed, received more Holy Spirit.
Coming to Jesus is an internal event that releases the Spirit inside us. So what does it look like?
Drinking is a proactive journey to Jesus in our thoughts with intent. It comes with feelings, for some more than others, unless we have a problem. It involves actions that may simply be an outward positioning to receive, or may just be verbally inviting Holy Spirits refreshing.
So am I drinking as often of the Spirit as I do natural refreshment? Which is fundamentally more necessary for life? I think the enemy has been successful in warping my perception of importance.
If I am part of Jesus’ body that is sustained by His Spirit then how much of my connection with Jesus and my relationships with others suffering because I am depleted in Holy Spirit?
How clever of the enemy and how ironic that often ecumenical work in his body deliberately leaves aside time with Holy Spirit specifically! If Satan does this at this level he is also doing it in my world, distracting and creating alternative fountains to maintain my spiritual infirmity.
Unblind me Jesus and come Holy Spirit. Let rivers flow deeper and deeper.
timpdunnett 