“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
Your life is going to be difficult, and I’m leaving you.
No one wants to hear these words! What kind of person would say this to their closest friends? The person speaking is Jesus! He has just told his followers that, in the near future, they will be tempted to fall away, they will be rejected by the religious establishment and people will attempt to kill them thinking they are doing a service to God! (John 16:1-6)
Can you picture how his followers were feeling at this moment? He not only told them he was leaving them but that it was going to be good thing! They had seen him heal the sick, feed 5,000, calm the seas and even raise the dead. How could it be good that he was leaving them?
The rationale for this was that he would be sending them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. The word “advocate” describes the Holy Spirit as one who comes alongside as a comforter and counselor. Only Jesus could say, with any credibility, that the presence of the Spirit would be better than his physical presence with them. The Holy Spirit would not only be with them but in them. Think about it, the Spirit of the all-knowing, all-powerful God of the universe would dwell in them, and be with each of them in every moment of every day! His Spirit would give them the strength to navigate the storms ahead. It was truly good that Jesus was leaving. Not just good, but amazing!
Going Deeper: As a Christ follower, God’s Spirit lives in you. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Will you allow him to direct and empower you in each moment and circumstance you face today, and in this week? Your life is going to be difficult; but he is not going to leave you without help!
Prayer: Jesus thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to live in me and to guide me today and every day. I confess I doubt and resist your direction more often than I should. I re-commit to trusting you and your work in my life.
by Mike Woodard
used by permission
Learn how to be Filled with the Holy Spirit
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