1/5 Wednesday wisdom

Jesus the Christ never entered upon the ministry for which He came into this world until He was baptized with the Holy Spirit.

If Jesus Christ, who had been supernaturally conceived through the Holy Spirit's power, who was the only begotten Son of God, who was divine, very God of very God and yet truly man -- if He, "leaving us an example that we should follow in his steps," did not venture upon the ministry for which the Father had sent Him until thus baptized with the Holy Spirit, what is it for us to dare to do it? If, in the light of these recorded facts, we dare to do it, it seems like an offense going beyond presumption. Doubtless it has been done in ignorance by many, but can we plead ignorance any longer? The baptism with the Holy Spirit is an absolutely necessary preparation for effective service for Christ along every line of service.

-- R.A. Torrey, The Baptism with the Holy Spirit