Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 30; Revelation 16; Zechariah 12:1-13:1; John 15
John 15:26-27 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Jesus promised his disciples that he would send the Comforter from the Father. He proceeds from the Father, Jesus said. Please notice that the Comforter is not a force, but a person. He is not created, but was to be sent to the disciples from the Father. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Jesus who indwells the believer. He would not come while Jesus was on the earth. Only after Jesus ascended back to the Father would the Holy Ghost be sent.
Jesus said, the Comforter would testify of him. What a wonderful name for the Holy Ghost – Comforter. Just imagine how hard it was for the disciples who had walked with Jesus from the beginning when he was gone. They loved him! He loved them! They had seen amazing things and learned much from his teaching. Now he would not walk with them. What would they do? They would be comforted by the Holy Ghost who would testify of Jesus.
You and I can walk in the same relationship with Jesus that they did! He is promised to us as well! Do you long to be with Jesus? As a follower of Jesus you should expect his imminent return to earth, but in the mean time, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit. He testifies of Jesus. He helps us understand the Word of Jesus and he empowers us to live the Christ life. Not only that, but he empowers us to be witnesses too. He is at work in believers to witness for Jesus. At the same time, he is at work in the lost world to reprove of sin, righteousness and judgment.
For the believer:
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
For the lost person:
John 16:7-8 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.
What an amazing privilege to have the Comforter indwelling us to empower us to bear witness for Jesus. We are not alone; we walk with Jesus every day!
In Christ,
Rody
