John 14:15-31

Be Still: Father God, I want to draw near to you today. Draw near to me. Come Holy Spirit speak. Amen

Read: John 14:15-31

'All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.' (vv25-27)

Encounter: My first job at 17 involved delivering new cars to purchasers for a car dealership. I drove them from the site to the buyer's home. This was fine until the day I had my first big SUV to deliver. Back then, SUV’s were super rare and seemed absolutely enormous to me. I got in this expensive car, shut the door, and suddenly felt totally alone. My feet couldn’t reach the peddles, I could hardly see out the windows, never mind reach the steering wheel. I was overcome with the enormity of the task. 

I imagine that's how the disciples felt – overwhelmed with their task. Jesus has been trying to explain to them that he is ‘going’. His followers are faced with the enormous task of representing Jesus well, of telling others about him, of doing the miraculous signs and wonders he did! At the start of the chapter Jesus says ‘let not your hearts be troubled’ - he knows the fear in their hearts as he gets nearer to his death. 

There is a ‘Helper’ though! This is the amazing news Jesus has for them. He assures them that 'I will not leave you as Orphans'. The ‘helper’ is the Holy Spirit 'whom the Father will send in my name.' What a relief! There’s someone else ‘in the car’ with us, helping us do the task we’ve been given. Always there is the presence of the risen Jesus through the Holy Spirit’s activity in and through our lives.

Apply: Where do the tasks ahead of you feel overwhelming or that you’re on your own? Bring them before Jesus, tell him what is causing you to worry or fear. From the small tasks to any big sense of calling, invite the Holy Spirit to ‘help’ you. Be expectant that he will.

Devote: Heavenly Father thank you for sending your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus. Fill me afresh with the Helper now. Thank you that I’m never on my own as you are always with me.