The Comforter has come
But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, … Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: Let not your heart be troubled. (John 14:26-27)
It is now six weeks since we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday; next Sunday will be Pentecost Sunday. In conversations with the disciples in his last days, Jesus promised that the Father would send the Holy Spirit as the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Strengthener). This promise was the basis of assuring the disciples to receive the peace of the Lord, and not to be afraid. He particularly instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit before spreading out as witnesses (Luke 24:49). This was fulfilled just ten days after his Ascension, and today we can continue to celebrate that the Comforter has come.
Pentecost was one of the three prominent feasts observed by Jews according to instructions given by the great prophet Moses (Deut 16). This particular feast climaxed in a day of high celebration To commemorate the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses at Sinai 49 days after the Exodus, according to Jewish tradition. The feast was also to celebrate and give thanks to God for their barley harvest that happened in that season. Jews traditionally read the Book of Ruth at this feast, as the story links with the grain harvest theme of the festival.
The Jews certainly derived comfort not only from the barley harvest every year, but also from the recollection of the order Moses ushered in when he received the Law; they also remembered how David was the great King that ushered in a dispensation of a greatly expanded and peaceful kingdom of Israel. However, all these remained in history as they now remained on tension with hardly any peace and with difficulty in observing the Law due to gentile powers over them – the Romans particularly, in the time of and just after Jesus Christ. The coming of the Holy Spirit as Comforter was therefore timely, necessary and relevant.
In the same way, we have many things to celebrate, yet we recognize the need for a Comforter. Uganda remains on tension due to terrorist threats, security at boarders with neighbouring nations, economic uncertainties especially as US and Korea face off on certain issues, while China threatens world powers with their advancement; checking our villages, families and personal lives, there is so much need that any good news of a comforter would land on eager ears; and today is a good day to remember: the Comforter has come.
The coming of this Comforter was a fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy before he ascended. He promised that after He is taken up, the Father would send the Holy Spirit. The fact that this came to pass fortifies our confidence in the Lord’s promises. The other promise worth reflecting on today is the one the angels made to the onlookers at Jesus’ ascension: He will come again.
God bless you all.