Scripture:
John 14:25-31 NKJV
[25] “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. [26] But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [28] You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. [29] “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. [30] I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. [31] But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
Observation:
To be honest with you, I have read the book of John several times, and some of it is still a little difficult to understand. John’s gospel is substantially different than the others; he focuses more on the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Almighty GOD. The opening of his book is evidence that what follows is going to be just as insightful. We find ourselves about a 3rd of the way through his gospel in chapter 14. Jesus is preparing his men for his departure and wants them to know it is not the end. This was the plan all along. For the past 3 years, HE had walked with them and brought them through many situations that might have otherwise baffled them. Showing them how to step outside their comfort zone, giving them the correct words to say in every aspect of life, and guiding them through grace and mercy as a reaction to all offense. I would imagine I’m there, mind, there would be a lot of fear. This would be where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. I could see how they might be thinking, oh great, how are we going to do it, I mean, is it possible? To walk in the same manner as Jesus. But then in verse 26, HE brings their minds to ease, saying,” but the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and bring to remembrance all things that I have said to you.” HE knows that the world would be making every attempt possible to steal their peaceful spirit. Thorough chaos and emotional turmoil, so HIS next statement was just as valuable. ” Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled. Neither be afraid. HIS continued reassurance that this was not the end is very important not only for them at that time but for us in today’s society as well. Reaping what has been said, HE tells them that yes, HE is going away, but HE will be back. HIS temporary departure was just that temporary. HE is telling HIS disciples all of this because when it is happening, it’s going to be hard to believe letting them know beforehand gives them a step ahead of the game and prepares them for it so that it’s not a surprise when HE is drug away brutally beaten and murdered, only to be resurrected a short time later. HE wrapped up this short group of scripture by telling HIS disciples that while HE was here on earth, HE did the same thing that they would have to do when HE is gone. Listen to the Father in Heaven through the Holy Spirit.
Application:
What if the statement that GOD made in the very beginning was a prophetic statement? Personally, I believe everything the father says has a prophetic meaning for the most part. The statement I’m talking about is right before HE created a woman. GOD said it is not good for man to be alone. I believe we need help. We need a way to navigate through this life and keep our feet on the right path. Jesus Christ stepped out of his heavenly position to walk this earth and give us an example of how to do it. Then, as HE departed, the helper came. Here is my question for you today: Have you ever been in the middle of a situation you didn’t know how to handle, and a verse that you read a few months ago pops into your mind? Take a quick look back at the scripture from this morning. Isn’t that what Jesus told us the Holy Spirit would do for us? HE would bring to our remembrance the things HE said to us. I would like to remove a lot of the stigma that people ascribe to the Holy Spirit and bring the whole thing to a practical application. I have a hard time believing that the Holy Spirit brings chaos and disorder. In fact, I have not read anything in the bible that would lead anyone to believe that’s the purpose of the Holy Spirit. However, I have seen some people ascribe some crazy things to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. I do, however, see where the Holy Spirit has given boldness and brought biblical content to the minds of those who needed it at the time. He is our helper, our counselor, the one who provides the right words to say when we have nothing to say on our own. HE is that inner voice of reason when we want to explode that says Just wait… something good will come out of this. Because you know that all things work for good for those who love GOD and are the called according to HIS purpose. We need help to stay on the right path, and GOD knew that we would. So, at the very beginning of creation, as HE was putting HIS plan into action. HE made a way to reconnect us to HIM. The connection between Jesus Christ and ourselves brings the helper (the Holy Spirit) into our lives, not to jump over pews and run around all crazy, but to guide our feet to the path we need to be on. The narrow road, the one that leads to life. I don’t know about you, but I need that help. I can’t do this alone. I need someone to guide me into right living. Jesus is coming back at some point, and my salvation is secure. Before HE left, HE gave us work to do. The Holy Spirit enables us to do that work, and I want to be found doing it. The Holy Spirit is what empowers us to do that work. Now I just want you to be thinking about the HELPER that has been given to you… the very same Spirit (the HOLY SPIRIT) that rose christ from the dead lives inside of you. The same Spirit that guided Jesus to do all the amazing things that HE did. That is your guidance counselor, your helper, the one who brings the scripture to your mind that comforts you in times of need and brings the right decision to your mind so that your feet don’t leave the path. Listen, the more I study the bible, the more I realize that GOD didn’t miss a thing. HE knows us because HE made us, and HE has given us a plan that will not fail. Listen to the Holy Spirit as you walk today. Let HIM guide your steps. There is no way you can go wrong if you do that.
Prayer:
Father, your plan is perfect. we can see that you have left nothing out. This morning, as we start our day with you, we ask that you would just guide us… every step. We do not want to get off course, and we know that if we listen to you, that we can not go wrong. Help us to hear you clearly. Give us a deep burning desire to know your word so that the Holy Sporit can communicate effectively with us. We want to know you more to hear from you clearly and to walk according to your plan. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.