I’ve been praying for friends across the country who are experiencing deep hardships. I’m often caught up with emotion for the burdens they bear.
Jesus’ disciples must have felt similar emotions when they heard Jesus say He was leaving them. (see John 14). This knowledge was a heavy burden to their souls. Jesus encouraged them saying,
As he finished those wonderful words regarding prayer, I imagine Him seeing a troubled look in the disciples’ downcast eyes. But, you are leaving! Oh Lord, who are we to go to when you are gone?
Jesus answers their unspoken question by telling them what He is going to pray for!
Jesus gives them (and us) the Holy Spirit. I’m sure the immensity of this didn’t sink in to the disciples’ minds that evening over dinner, but it did later, beginning with the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2).
You see, a powerful answer to our friends’ trials, and an answer to our own burdens and heartaches, is the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was about to depart this earth, He directed the eyes and expectations of His disciples to another Counselor—the Holy Spirit. We need to direct our friends to that same source of comfort.
Consider this:
1) The Spirit points us in the right direction! Jesus called Him the “Spirit of truth.” In challenging times, we can be vulnerable to sin and the misdirection of the enemy. The Spirit is available to guide us along God’s path.
2) The Spirit is a parental presence with us and in us. Jesus said, “. . . you know Him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). Do you ever feel alone, needing fatherly strength or motherly affection? Jesus says to His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18). He goes on to explain that He will be this comforting presence—with us and in us—by His Holy Spirit.
As a follower of Jesus, I am so grateful for the unlimited richness of the Spirit that is available to us!
This post originally appeared in Disciple!, a publication of The Navigators.