by Marilynn Chadwick
If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7b (ESV)
Spirit. What comes to mind when you hear the word spirit? There’s a lot of talk these days about what it means to be "spiritual." And confusion about the Holy Spirit—the One Jesus calls the "Spirit of truth."
For starters, the Holy Spirit is not an “it.” Or a ghostlike vapor. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a he—a person. In John 16, we read about the Holy Spirit's personality and his job description. I’m so glad you’re still with us for the 21 Day Experiment in Prayer. The Lord rewards us today with some special secrets that will strengthen both our walk and our prayer life.
Jesus, knowing the cross awaits him, prepares his followers for the trying days ahead. They will face persecution, he warns them. But they will not be alone because the Holy Spirit will be with them. Jesus gives a wonderful glimpse into the person and work of this somewhat mysterious Spirit.
The Amplified Bible is one of my favorite study tools. I appreciate the way its translators unwrap the original languages. Let’s take a minute to reflect on what Jesus tells the disciples about the different roles of the Holy Spirit:
“However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you] (John 16:7 AMPC).
Comforter. Counselor. Helper. Advocate. Intercessor. Strengthener. Standby. Jesus promised it would be for our good that he would go to the Cross. Because only then would he be resurrected and send the Holy Spirit to be with us—to dwell in us—forever.
Today, as my watchword, I think I’ll simply meditate on each word in Jesus’s job description for the Holy Spirit: Comforter. Counselor. Helper. Advocate. Intercessor. Strengthener. Standby.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the astounding gift your Holy Spirit. Help me understand more fully what it means to have close fellowship with the Holy Spirit. To pray in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit. To abide in the Spirit.