It was a sweet secret my husband and I kept for a short season. I’d smile thinking about it during my workday, reveling in the miracle taking place within my body that no one else could see. We were expecting our first child but had decided to keep the news to ourselves for a few months. My son’s presence in utero gave me a sense of quiet companionship as his body formed and grew. When I finally saw him face to face, it was like meeting an old friend.
Although it’s an imperfect analogy, that feeling of constant connectedness I experienced during pregnancy makes me think of the Holy Spirit. My baby physically resided within me for nine months, but the Spirit’s indwelling presence provides an unending, intimate connection between God and me. This is the miracle and the mystery Jesus described to His disciples before He ascended into heaven: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8a, ESV)
Let’s rewind the story a bit to get a wider perspective. About two months earlier, Jesus was preparing His disciples for a time not far in the future when He would no longer be physically present with them. They didn’t understand what He was saying and, seeing their dismay, He reassured them: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7, ESV) The disciples grieved the news that Jesus would be leaving them because they didn’t realize the tremendous gift of the Holy Spirit they would receive. It was to their advantage for Him to leave so that the Spirit would come.
That promise Jesus made to the disciples long ago is one that we still benefit from today. Having the Spirit living inside us is both comforting and empowering. Let’s examine several unique qualities about Him revealed in Scripture that still bless us now:
Helper/ Counselor/ Comforter/ Advocate: These names used in different translations of John 14 and 16 come from the Greek word “parakletos” which means “one called to the side of another.” The Holy Spirit is a personal being who indwells followers of Jesus. When we’re weak or weary, we can ask Him for an infusion of His strength. When we’re struggling or unsure what to do, we can seek Him for wisdom. When we don’t know how to pray, we can rely on Him to advocate for us with the Father. When we’re grieving and sorrowful, we can cry out to Him for comfort.
Reminder: Jesus says the Holy Spirit will “teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26, ESV) The Spirit often gives us gentle nudges, reminding us of truth we’ve studied in Scripture. He brings clarity to what we’re reading in the Bible and helps us to understand it. He enables us to discern how to apply His Word in specific situations. When we’re believing the enemy’s lies or misled by his deceit, the Spirit exposes him and reminds us of God’s truth.
Convicter: Jesus says the Holy Spirit will “convict the world concerning sin.” (John 16:8b, ESV) It’s humbling, but also comforting to recognize where our sinful thoughts, words, and actions have stunted our spiritual growth or damaged our relationships with God and others. Although it’s not fun to have the Spirit illuminate sin, we can be grateful for the opportunity to confess and repent to receive forgiveness, cleansing, and healing.
Guide: Jesus says “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13, ESV) When we’re at a crossroads and unsure how to proceed, the Holy Spirit serves as a good and reliable guide. The world is a confusing place full of contradictions and mixed messages but with the Spirit showing us the way, we can move forward with confidence and peace.
Power Source: Just before His ascension, Jesus tells the disciples “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, ESV) As we continue studying Acts, we’re going to see the Spirit’s power move in the lives of many people. Let’s not forget that they’re only the beginning of the story. We also have that incredible gift; the same power and authority that raised Jesus from the grave and performed signs and wonders in Acts exists within all who follow Christ today!
Take a moment and let Francesca Battistelli’s song “Holy Spirit” become your prayer of celebration and invitation for the Holy Spirit.
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www.marybethmccullum.com: The Gift of the Holy Spirit