Vindicated by The Spirit

Although it was the righteous Son of God who was manifest in the flesh it was only by the Spirit that He was vindicated. Jesus did not try to prove He was the Son of God to those who would not believe. He entrusted Himself to the Father. He lived by the Father's word of approval not the world's. Even though the world was made through Him the world did not recognize Him. Even His own people would not receive Him. But He knew that the Holy Spirit would glorify Him. Ultimately it was through the Spirit of holiness that He was declared to be 'the powerful life giving Son of God' by His resurrection from the dead. They killed the author of life but God glorified the holy and righteous One by raising Him from the dead!

Being misunderstood or opposed by the world because of our faith should not surprise us or cause us to lose heart. Just as He was not known so we are not known. But just as He was vindicated by the Spirit so are we, not because we are without sin as He was but because we too are precious to the Father and justified in His Son. When we are falsely accused and suffer at the hands of others we need not lose heart or fight back but instead entrust ourselves to the One who judges justly and who is well able to vindicate His own - not only for our good but for His glory.