John 16

This chapter is full of great things to discuss, but I will focus on only a part of the chapter. John begins the chapter with Jesus warning the disciples about the bad things that will happen to them, and then Jesus tells them in John 16:7 that he must leave so that he can send them the Helper or, in some translations, the Advocate, the Comforter, the Encourager, the Counselor, the Strengthener and, as we understand today, the Holy Spirit. The disciples felt sorrow and alone upon hearing this, but Christ reassures them that they will soon feel joy. He is sending each of them help.

This passage had me think of life prior to the Holy Spirit living literally within us. In the Old Testament, God Almighty spoke to a few people directly; Adam, Eve, Abel, Cane, Moses, and the list continues. He sent angels to speak to some such as Mary and Joseph, and others. At times He sent His Spirit to empower others and He even gave dreams to other people to reveal His will for the future. This is how God’s Word and will was known in the Old Testament. Only a few chosen believers that God had selected had that kind of relationship with Him.

As Moses, who was one of the people who God spoke with face-to-face, was receiving the law of God on Mount Sinai the people below were without their leader and without direction. As they wearied in waiting on their leader to return, it wasn’t but a few days and they had already made a golden calf to worship, breaking the very first of the commandments. For us, we have the Holy Spirit of God inside of us. We will never have to be weary in waiting on Him for He is always with us.

Christ’s death on the cross washed us of our sins, but it is the indwelling Sprit of God that guides us in all truth and keeps our hearts from wandering from our Shepherd. To help us, He sent the Helper to guide us with truth. As believers, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. So, in your pain, your suffering, and your sorrow, remember that you are not alone, even in your darkest hours. The Holy Spirit, sent by God, is dwelling inside you and you have a personal relationship with the Lord.

May the grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.