Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Psalms 90-94
     New Testament Reading: John 14

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you (John 14:16-17).

As Jesus continues to talk with His disciples on this final evening before His crucifixion, His concern for them is clear. Jesus knows His arrest is now only a few hours away and His disciples will be confused, troubled, and distressed.

Jesus comforts them by saying, don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me (v.1). Jesus then explains to them He will go away and the purpose for His leaving, but He knows they don’t yet comprehend.

Then, for the first time, Jesus informs His troubled disciples about the Holy Spirit. Jesus will leave them, but God will not leave them as orphans. God will send them His Holy Spirit as His gift to them and for all Believers after them. The Spirit of God does not differ from the Son of God, for both are God. The presence of God had dwelt with the disciples in the person of Jesus Christ. Now the Spirit of God would dwell in them.

Jesus calls the Hoy Spirit by two special names. The first name is ‘Comforter’ or ‘Counselor’. The Amplified Bible translates verse 16 as, I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever.

Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, that is what the Holy Spirit is for us. Often, we think of comfort as soothing someone, but genuine comfort strengthens us to face life bravely and keep going. Despite our troubles and circumstances, it is the indwelling Holy Spirit that gives each Christian the help and strength to carry on. Apart from the help of the Spirit of God, we cannot live the Christian life as God would have us live it.

Second, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Bible and today He illuminates the Bible as we read and study so that we may understand the truth of God’s Word.

When God gave the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, He was given to God’s people to remain with them forever. No wonder Jesus told His disciples, Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful (v.27).