When Jesus was teaching his disciples in the upper room the evening before his death (John 14-17), one of the themes of his teaching was the Holy Spirit. Early in his "message," Jesus makes a promise to ask the Father to send to them "
the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17). Then, toward the end of his teaching he makes this rather astonishing claim, "
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away." How could it be a good thing for the disciples that their Master was leaving them? Jesus explains in the remainder of the verse, "Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7). So it was good for the disciples that Jesus left. For if he had not, they would not have received the Spirit. And just why is that of such importance?
Bruce Ware, in his book, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance answers that question with some great insight:
"Not only does the Spirit reveal and inspire the word of Christ, and empower the proclamation of the gospel of Christ, and regenerate sinners to behold the beauty of Christ, and lead us to place our hope and faith in Christ, the Spirit also works mightily in us to conform us more and more into the likeness of Christ."
Wow! Given the ministry of the Holy Spirit (as summed up by Ware), we are indeed blessed to be recipients of this promise! Have you thanked the Father and Son lately for sending us the Spirit?
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
No comments:
Post a Comment