In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)
Put yourself in the disciple’s shoes for a moment. They had traveled with Jesus for three years and were not expecting Him to announce that He was leaving.
The disciples had served with Jesus as His staff for three to three and a half years. They witnessed the miracles, heard each sermon, and received personal instruction.
But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
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. (John 16:6 – 7)
The word translated “expedient” could also be “it is for your benefit.” Do you think this would have required faith for the disciples to receive what Jesus was saying? He had been with them for three-plus years, announced He was leaving and told them it was for their benefit that He was doing so. How would you have responded if you had been one of the disciples?
It was beneficial for Him to leave as that would open the door for Him to send the Comforter to them. He was talking about the Holy Spirit.
I have heard Christians talk about how amazing it would have been to be alive while Jesus was walking on the earth. Jesus told His disciples that what we have with the Holy Spirit is better than what He had with His disciples!
The disciples were not left alone. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with them and to dwell inside of them. The Holy Spirit was the other Comforter Jesus spoke of.
Let’s take a moment to consider the two words Jesus used in John 14, which were “another” and “Comforter.” The first is translated from the Greek word “állos.” It means “one of the same kind” or “another of a similar type.” “Comforter” is translated from the Greek word “parakletos” which is someone “called to one’s aid.” The Classic Amplified version adds the words “Counselor”, “Helper”, “Advocate”, “Intercessor”, “Strengthener”, and “Standby.”
I would pick the word “Comforter” if I were only allowed to choose one to describe the Holy Spirit. Each of the other words added by the Amplified version as ways that He helps. For example, Christians do not have to sorrow the way unsaved do when they have a loved one pass away. The Holy Spirit will be with us every step of the grieving journey.
Have you ever found yourself in a spot where you just did not know what to do? The Holy Spirit is available to provide counsel in times like this. He is standing by, waiting for us to look to Him! Unfortunately, most Christians will look to friends, family members, or ministers for counsel before even thinking of looking to the Spirit of God who is dwelling inside of them.
I thank God for tongues and interpretation, prophecies, and godly counsel. Each has its place but cannot replace a direct one-on-one relationship with the Holy Spirit. You have an unction from the Holy Spirit within your spirit (1 John 2:20) and can know what to do if you train yourself to follow it.
The Holy Spirit’s presence in your spirit is what makes our covenant so much better. You are in an even better position today than the disciples were when they walked with Jesus. If Peter were talking to Jesus, the other disciples would have to wait until their conversation was over to speak with the Lord. The Holy Spirit was with them, but He is in you. You can talk to Him while millions of other Christians and I spend time with Him!
Jesus walked the earth as a man ministering under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. His physical body limited him during His ministry.
The Holy Spirit is inside of every Christian every moment of every day. You can receive counsel from Him while lying in bed or driving down the road.
Many Christians are looking back at the relationship Jesus had with His disciples enviously. You must not do this! The Bible tells us that it is much better for us to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in our spirits than the disciple’s experiences with Jesus.
You have the Spirit of Jesus living inside of your spirit! He is in you and waiting for you to look to Him. Jeremiah spoke of our day in his writings and said we would all know the Lord (Jeremiah 31:34). The prophet foresaw the time we live in where the Lord would place His spirit in ours, opening the door to a relationship with our creator.
What does it mean when we say that the Holy Spirit is standing by? He is waiting to help us but will not force Himself into our lives. The choice to look to Him for help or not to is solely yours alone to make.
I have observed over time that there are some people who it seems the Holy Spirit is helping much more than others. The reason is they have trained themselves to look to Him for help, while most Christians will never look to Him unless they are in a crisis.
The Holy Spirit will help you decide what to wear to work, cook dinner, and even how to deal with difficult coworkers. You can learn to look to Him for advice in every area of your life! He is just waiting for you to ask!
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