It Is an Inside Job – Part 2
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7
Even as the disciples’ hearts ached about Jesus’ departure, He assured them it was to their ‘advantage’ because it would open a new era of power and authority for them (see John 14:12). Being ‘under new management’ wasn’t the end, but a continuation of Christ’s ministry as the Holy Spirit took the baton from the Son’s hand and placed it in theirs. The Son would leave, but the Spirit would ‘abide with [them] forever’ (John 14:16). This was their ‘advantage’. The Spirit would enter their human bodies and live permanently in them! This is no tentative, vague connection. It’s God’s Spirit choosing us as His permanent dwelling place. Have you ever considered the ‘advantage’ this gives you? For example, you might awake tomorrow feeling stressed, weary, and irritated, and these feelings could easily dictate your day. But because the Spirit lives in you, these things don’t have to control you. Paul writes, ‘Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?’ (1 Corinthians 6:19). Once you accept that promise by faith, you become God’s temple. You can be at work, driving the kids to school, walking the dog, waiting for biopsy results, or attending the funeral of your best friend, and as you go about your everyday life God’s Spirit is living in you. Can you see now why Jesus told the disciples it was good for Him to leave and send the Holy Spirit? Whatever you do, don’t let this life-changing truth slide by you!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Holy Spirit that lives in me to comfort me and guide me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Dear Tim,
Your devotions always bless me and my husband…and my friends and family, as I often forward them to others. Thank you for sharing your faith and your faith wisdom with others through your writing. This devotion touches my heart and reassures me of what I know, yet need to cling to…the Holy Spirit. This changing world is a challenge for this Iowa farm girl, residing in a college city in Missouri. I find I long for the peace of the farm and my parents who raised us with a strong faith in the Lord. How thankful I am for my family roots! And your message about the Holy Spirit living within us, steadfast and unchanging, was just the message I needed. Thank you. May the Lord bless you, as bring others closer to Him, through your words of devotion to our Lord. Blessings to your day, Mary
Oh how I wish/pray that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit would eliminate my depression!
I mean no disrespect concerning today’s devotion! No! Indeed, I cherish your devotions! And, I sincerely can see evidence, in what you say, of the Spirit’s leading/I dwelling in you! I realize that sometimes God’s answer to my/our prayers is “no”. But life can be so hard!! I long for the day when God will call me home!! (and, NO! I am NOT suicidal!! The taking of my life is NOT for me to do!!