The Power of the Holy Spirit
Scripture:
John 15:26--When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the
Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.
In Today’s passage, we receive valuable insight into the person-hood and
function of the Holy Spirit. As we continue to reflect upon the early believers
of Christ, we can imagine a community reeling from perceived failures as well
as victories. They would no longer interact with their Messiah in the ways in
which they had grown accustomed. They would now have to relate to God in new
ways. In anticipation of this transition, Jesus reveals another great mystery
to them, the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Rather than their circumstances being radically transformed, they
themselves would be transformed.
This transforming power is introduced as the Advocate and the Spirit of Truth. We come to understand the Holy Spirit as living and active, personal
and powerful.
The Greek term for Advocate is Paraklétos and is defined as a divine adviser, intercessor or helper. “The Spirit of Truth” is defined as alétheia
meaning reality or divine truth. The ultimate source of truth of course, is God
and since God is truth, we come to understand the Holy Spirit as the third
person of the Holy Trinity.
Since the adversary is known as “the accuser of the brethren”, Jesus’ use
of this terminology conveys more than simply a helper. In a heavenly court,
facing a determined prosecutor, our Advocate is our divinely empowered lawyer!
I wonder if any of us are being required to relate to God in new ways in
this season. I wonder how many of us need to be reminded today of the Holy
Spirit’s ability to advocate for us and to reveal the God’s truth in our
circumstances. Perhaps today, you are in need of an advocate, adviser and
helper. Whatever your transition, this day, allow the Holy Spirit to testify
about the goodness, faithfulness and ultimate victory of Jesus Christ in your
lives.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching me today about the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for teaching me today that your Holy Spirit is a reliable counselor,
helper, and divine advocate. Lord, you have not left me exposed
to the wiles of the adversary. You have provided me with all the help
that I need, your very spirit within me. Your word says that if God is for me,
who can be against me. Help me to rely upon that word when I am in the middle
of trials. When I am being harassed and persecuted by the adversary, I thank
you for providing the Holy Spirit as a powerful and righteous
advocate. Thank you Lord! Amen.
Elder Leslie Nambo
Elder Leslie Nambo
No comments:
Post a Comment