ADVOCATE, HELPER, COMFORTER
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.
John 14:16-18 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Jesus is preparing His disciples for His earthly exit. He knows that very shortly He will be arrested, tried, and crucified. He will be buried and then rise from the dead in three days. Jesus knows the disciples will be confused, frustrated and afraid. He knows that after His resurrection He will only be around for a few more days before He ascends back to the Father in heaven. Jesus gives a long discourse in the upper room while eating the Passover Meal with His disciples. In this discourse Jesus mentions the Holy Spirit numerous times. Jesus knows the Holy Spirit is crucial to the success of the disciples after Jesus departs the earth. Earlier in this chapter Jesus tells the disciples it is good for them that He goes away. When I read that I get that same feeling I got when mom told me eating my spinach was good for me. She also told me getting a spanking was good for me. But at that moment it didn’t taste good or feel good. Mom was right and so was Jesus! In our passage today Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as our “Advocate.” The word used in this passage that we translate “Advocate” is unique to the gospel of John—he uses it four times in His gospel and once in 1 John. The word literally means, “called alongside to assist.” Other translations use “Helper,” or “Comforter.” The concept is that the Holy Spirit does not work instead of us, or despite us, but in us and through us. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to face life bravely and keep on going. He does not rob us of responsibility or make it easy for us to give up. This title also refers to one who represents you in court and stands by your side to plead your case. The Holy Spirit is with us; He wants to work in us and through us to accomplish God’s will for our lives. We are not alone. We have an Advocate, Helper, and Comforter to walk with us through life. Let’s take time to listen to the Holy Spirit and lean into His strength.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit I open my heart and mind to You. I want to learn to hear Your voice and obey You. Forgive me for my selfishness where I think I can do life by myself.
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