Daily Devotion, May 27, 2020

Devotion: Read John 14:15-21, 25-27.

John 14 is often read to bring comfort in times of grief. The commentaries say that this chapter is the centerpiece of Jesus’ farewell meal and conversations with his disciples. He was preparing them for the days of his crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension.

It is also wonderful to read John 14 at other times for the new inspirations we receive. First, it is important to hear this calling from Jesus, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Secondly, Jesus gives the assurance, “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever---the Spirit of truth.“  The word, Counselor, has been translated in other English versions as Comforter, Advocate, and Helper. The gospel of John gives these varieties of functions associated with the Holy Spirit in his usage of the Greek word, “Paraclete,”---“the one who comes along beside you.”

In his book, “Living Our Beliefs”, Bishop Carder writes, “The Trinity is the framework for understanding the nature, character, purpose, and presence of God. At its core meaning is this declaration: God, the Father, who is before us; God, the Son, who is for us; and God, the Holy Spirit, who comes along beside us and is with us.”

In verses 25-27, the gospel of John adds additional characteristics of the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has said”.  These verses, to me, circle back to verse 15. The Holy Spirit enables us to keep Jesus’ commands out of our love for him. Personal Worship Option: Pause for a moment and ponder these wonderful words about the Holy Spirit, who is with us: “Helper, Advocate, Comforter, and Counselor”. You are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you in the ways you need and for the calling to service which God has given to you. We, as the church, can be strengthened by these words too, for the global mission ahead.