July 20, Holy Spirit
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
John 16:7
Imagine hearing Jesus say, it is best that I am not with you. If standing there with the disciples, I would have been tempted to disagree. These individuals had left everything to follow Him. All seemed right as long as they stayed with Jesus. But now their Master announced His departure with the statement, “it is for your good that I am going away.”
Amid the disciples’ sorrow over this announcement, Jesus then explained, “if I do not go away the Counselor will not come to you.” The announcement of Jesus’ departure that likely brought dismal feelings of abandonment to the disciples was captured in an explanation that was entirely supernatural and fully of God’s divine plan. I love that most all translations reference the Holy Spirit (from the term “paraclete”) within this verse as a proper name (Counselor, Helper, Advocate). Jesus most certainly emphasized this reference, and then followed with an explanation of what the Holy Spirit would accomplish.
Concerning the world, the Holy Spirit will convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:9-11). This expresses that the Holy Spirit will supernaturally reveal to the world the error of man’s way, the Righteousness of Christ Jesus (in His fulness), and God’s judgement that falls against the darkness of this world.
Concerning the disciples, the Holy Spirit will guide them in all truth, He will declare what is to come, and He will glorify the Son (John 16:12-15). This demonstrates both the Spirit’s role in equipping the disciples for their soon and coming apostolic roles (as this fits the teaching of the farewell discourses), and this reminds all believers of the Holy Spirit’s role in the church and in each follower of Christ.
Obviously, the disciples would understand these truths over time. And, the significance of all that Jesus taught them stands as a reality in our lives today: the very real influence of the Holy Spirit upon and within every believer.
But, how much do we truly live in the reality of the Holy Spirit’s influence? With the above teachings from Jesus, consider these two truths:
The Holy Spirit is at work in the world, convicting of sin and revealing Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit works through the message of the Gospel and through the witness of the Church.
I find great hope in this reality, and so should you. The promise Jesus made to His original followers is a promise fulfilled in our lives at this very moment. As the church teaches, proclaims, and witnesses to the reality of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit works supernaturally to convict the world of sin, and to convince the world of the truth of Jesus Christ. In fact, this is how you and I came to salvation. And, this is the work of God in Christ taking place in the world at this very moment through the Gospel.
So today, promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your personal life and witness. Speak a good word to others and live out that word through your attitude and actions. Support the church in every endeavor to take the message of Jesus and His love across the street and across the globe. No, this is not a new invitation. The call to share the good news of Jesus is as old as the church itself. But what needs to be understood afresh and anew is the power of the Holy Spirit that makes the Gospel witness possible and effective. So, now we understand why Jesus said, “it is for your good that I am going away.” Through the Holy Spirit Jesus is alive in the witness of the church.
We proclaim. The Holy Spirit empowers. Jesus is glorified. This represents the message Jesus taught His disciples that day. This is the necessary message for the church today. This is the message for those who feel discouraged right now – who feel as if their efforts matter little. This is the message for every follower of Christ. Live out your faith with confidence that the promised Holy Spirit will empower your witness for the Glory of Christ.
Go and live in the promise!
Blessings.
READ
Read John 16:5-15 and rejoice that the Spirit of God is at work.
