The biblical stories are filled with details. Although some of them may seem curious or confusing, they are significant. 

Since they are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) they are there for a reason. And if they exist to teach us and give us hope—which Romans 15:4 says they are—then we are wise to pay attention. 

Let me give an example.

In Mark 1:10 we are told about Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. This is what we’re told: “Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.”

Let’s note a few things.

First, when this happens “he saw heaven being torn open.” What does this mean? It tells us that there is no barrier between Jesus and his heavenly Father. At the start of his public ministry (when this story takes place) we are given the assurance that he is in full communion with his Father. 

Second, during the baptism the Holy Spirit descended “on him like a dove.” The Spirit is often shown as a dove. The fact that the Spirit descends communicates that everything is being ordained by the Father himself. 

But I think there’s more. When else do we see a dove with water? Oh yes, after the flood in the book of Genesis. After God had wiped the wickedness from the earth, and when Noah was waiting in the ark to see if the waters were receding, he sent out a dove. Eventually it came back with an olive leaf in it’s mouth.

Just as a dove signaled the hope of God’s new creation in the days of Noah, so a dove signals the hope of God’s new creation in Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, Son of God and Prince of Peace.

When we quickly zip through our Bibles we can miss significant details. Hey, it happens to all of us, myself included.

But when we slow down and pay attention to the details—often with the help of a good Study Bible (see my footnote below)—we receive more of the instruction and hope that we are told about in Romans 15:4. 

And the Spirit descended on him like a dove—and through him, to the rest of all. And because of that, all things have become new.

Let’s tarry in the text. And be blessed.

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Notes and extra content:

—Study Bibles. If you don’t have one, here’s a post I put together (as either a blog or podcast) which presents some helpful options. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.