The Holy Spirit: The Comforter, the Teacher
“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
You need the Holy Spirit. Whether you are going for first term holidays or sitting university exams, even when you are in public service or in private business, or you are looking for a job, or you are about to retire, you need the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus knew that along the path of life you would sometimes suffer from loneliness, discouragement, helplessness, weakness or fear, guilt or accusations, pain, and even loss! He – the Holy Spirit – is the Standby, the Strengthener, the Helper, the Advocate, the Intercessor, the Consoler, the Comforter. These seven words unveil the meaning of the Greek word ‘paraklétos’ used the verse John 14:26 to describe who the Holy Spirit is to those who call upon him.
In that desperate moment, smoking will not help, no beer will raise you high enough, not even your boyfriend. Wine represents those temporal things from which we seek gladness; but the Apostle Paul has rightly advised well aware of its limitations: ‘do not get drunk with wine, … but be filled with the Spirit’ (Eph 5:18). Talk of the limitations of earthly sources and a good example is the lion: its strength is acclaimed in the jungle and in the Bible; it is bold, the mightiest among beasts. The dangerous wrath of a king is compared to a growling lion; ‘the lion has roared, who will not fear?’ But you need strength more reliable than that of a lion, for it has its weak points in plenty. In fact one filled with the Holy Spirit is so much stronger than the lion: Samson killed it; David also killed it; Daniel did not fear it.
One more function of the Holy Spirit: He is the Teacher. All believers need to grow in the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of God and His operations. Over and above the numerous opportunities of the Sunday morning Sermon, Bible Studies and Fellowships, the Holy Spirit is active when you are in your private meditation and He is the ever present Teacher. Ignorance, knowingly or unknowingly, can be the cause of many shades of suffering.
None should perish for lack of vision or knowledge; call on the Holy Spirit. Don’t freeze in loneliness, He is the warm Standby to cheer you up; don’t sink too deep in discouragement, He is the reliable Strengthener and Helper; even when you are lost for words before surrounding enemies or accusing fingers, call upon Him – He is the capable Advocate and Intercessor; He will plead your case to success before the ultimate Judge. Do you need the Holy Spirit? Jesus not only promised a benevolent supply from ‘your heavenly Father’ to those who ask, but also prayed for his disciples to receive the Holy Spirit.
God bless you as you remain in His presence!