Jason wailed as his parents handed him over to Amy. It was the two-year-old’s first time in the nursery while Mom and Dad attended the service—and he was not happy. Amy assured them he’d be fine. She tried to soothe him with toys and books, by rocking in a chair, walking around, standing still, and talking about what fun he could have. But everything was met with bigger tears and louder cries. Then she whispered five simple words in his ear: “I will stay with you.” Peace and comfort quickly came.
Jesus offered His friends similar words of comfort during the week of His crucifixion: “The Father . . . will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16–17). After His resurrection He gave them this promise: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus was soon to ascend to heaven, but He would send the Spirit to “stay” and live within His people.
We experience the Spirit’s comfort and peace when our tears flow. We receive His guidance when we’re wondering what to do (John 14:26). He opens our eyes to understand more of God (Ephesians 1:17–20), and He helps us in our weakness and prays for us (Romans 8:26–27).
He stays with us forever.
By Anne Cetas
REFLECT & PRAY
What do you need from the Holy Spirit today? How can knowing He’s always near help you?
How thankful I am that You remain always by my side, Jesus! I need You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In John 13–17, commonly known as the Upper Room Discourse because Jesus spoke these words in the upper room where the Last Supper was held (see Mark 14:12–15), Christ gave us His final and most profound thoughts just before His crucifixion. In addition, John 14 and 16 contain His most comprehensive teaching on the Holy Spirit. Jesus assured His disciples that when He returned to the Father (13:3, 33; 16:28), He wouldn’t abandon them (14:18). He promised His peace (14:27) and continued presence and asked the Father to give them “another advocate” (Greek paraklētos)—the “Spirit of truth,” the “Holy Spirit” (vv. 16–17, 26). Paraklētos means “one who helps, enables, or comforts another person.” This word is difficult to define and various translations use different words: “Helper,” “Counselor,” “Comforter,” “Companion,” and “Friend.”
K. T. Sim
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