Holy Spirit, Divine Helper

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.  John 14:15-17

Rod and I used to spend time together a couple days a week for a while.  I enjoyed getting to know him as we rode to the grocery store or other errands.  If Rod had a job interview, I’d help him get there.  What I enjoyed most though was getting to know his son.  Rod’s son got involved with our church youth group and started building friendships with other students and volunteers.  We recognized that Rod and his son were on hard times.  They had no car, no address, and no income.  We did all in our power to help him. 

We all need help at times, whether we want to accept it or not.  Jesus certainly knew the disciples needed help before He left them.  In John 14, Jesus talks with the disciples about His death, resurrection, and eventual ascension to heaven.  The disciples were confused and disturbed by the news of their teacher and friend leaving them.  Jesus had called them, taught them, and trained them to minister to others as He did.  How would they be able to carry on without Him?  For them this felt like the end of something great. 

But Jesus knew where His earthly ministry ended, the Holy Spirit’s ministry in and through the church would begin.  Jesus told the disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).  What a statement!  Jesus did some incredible things like healing the sick, calming seas and casting out demons.  How would believers be able to do greater things than these?  With the help of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus promised to send the Helper to the disciples.  The same Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, that raised Jesus from the dead would be with them and would soon dwell in the believers.  Though Jesus would depart, the disciples would not be alone.  You and I, the church, are not alone.  The Holy Spirit is with every believer, and in fact dwells in them as Jesus said. 

Jesus knew we would need help in this life.  So, He sent the greatest help for us – the Spirit of God.  No matter the struggle, crisis, challenge, hardship, trial, or difficulty we face today, the Holy Spirit has the power to help us through and overcome.  When you need help turn to the divine Helper.  This assurance is for every believer in Jesus Christ. 

 


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