Soon after my spouse passed, my father reminded me in letters and through fellowship that Jesus had not left me alone. He has graced me and all with a Helper, a Comforter, a Counselor, and Encourager through the Holy Spirit. One that would be with me always, who prepares the way, who will teach me everything I need to know at the right time, and who will wipe away every tear because he loves me deeply. His words reassured me that the Holy Spirit would be with me to equip and empower my journey in Jesus.

Jesus continues to share his farewell discourse with the disciples. He begins to confirm that if they love him and keep all his ways, the Father will send another Advocate, a Counselor to help them, and live with them forever. John 14:16-17 (NRSV) proclaims, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.  This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you.”

At this point, the disciples do not understand the full capacity of Jesus’ work and his purpose for them and all of creation. In fact, they are deeply concerned and troubled as to where he is going and why he is leaving them. Our precious Lord knows their worries and fears and immediately shares comforting words to reassure them that they will not be left as orphans; but that God’s grace will send the Spirit of truth to help, comfort, empower, and counsel them in Jesus’ absence. The key to this promise is that they love Jesus with their whole heart and follow his commands.

It is Jesus that will live on in them and us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He gives us a new heart with courage. The Spirit revives, invigorates, and strengthens us to become messengers for God’s Kingdom. The world will not see him nor acknowledge him because they are not looking for him. Only those who know and believe in Jesus Christ will be taught, discipled, and reminded of God’s promises by way of the Advocate. Because of God’s great love in Christ, neither fear, worry, nor anxiousness have any place within our soul. The Holy Spirit resides in our hearts to provide an inner rest forevermore. He opens our hearts to see a deeper understanding of the gospel, to plead our case before God, to direct our way, to bring victory amid defeat, and to console our suffering. What a promise we have been gifted! Hallelujah! This good news is just what the disciples needed to hear. For three years, they had lived and breathed with their beloved Master and Teacher, Jesus, and could not comprehend his absence. As Jesus fulfills the Father’s work and ascends to glory to be with him, the promise of God’s love will come to live with them and carry them throughout each moment.

My husband grew up as the son of a Baptist pastor. They believed that the Holy Spirit empowered missionaries to save souls, but he had never experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit becoming our counselor, comforter, and friend moment by moment. I had the privilege of sharing with him about God’s great love that now lives in us, awakens our soul to live anew, and reveals the truth about Jesus in a new way.  This good news transformed his life. He was empowered as a pastor and strengthened in the triad of faith, hope, and the love of Christ.

Reflection:

• How has the Holy Spirit comforted and encouraged you?
• Do you carry that ministering presence everyway you go?

Dear Father,

Thank you for not leaving us as orphan, but in Christ bringing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to live within our hearts and minster to us. Settle our hearts to know the Spirit of Truth today and forevermore!

 In Jesus name,

Amen!

Blessings,

Dr. Caroline