Daily Devotions
The Holy Spirit
Title: The Holy Spirit
Reading for December 14: 2 Thessalonians 1-3
Weekly reading for December 9-15: John 16-21
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
John 16:7-11
When you think of the Holy Spirit, what comes to mind? Some think of the Spirit purely in emotional ways. Others think of the Spirit in only rational ways. (And still others think nothing at all!) But how does Jesus want us to think about the Spirit?
Jesus wants us to think about one who will help us. In fact, that's what he is called here. He is the Helper.
Jesus wants us to think of someone who will convict us. And a conviction is experienced both emotionally and rationally. Think about what happened when the Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost. Those who heard the word were "cut to the heart." The words of truth and reason produced powerful emotions in those who received the Word.
And what Jesus wants us to think about specifically concerning the Spirit is one who convicts us concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. And all of these ideas convict in powerful ways, but let's not forget what Jesus calls the Spirit. He is our Helper. He is our Comforter. We need not be troubled by the convicting message of the Spirit when we willingly and cheerfully allow him to guide and direct us. When we walk in the Spirit and allow the Spirit to dwell in us and through us, there is an abundance of peace and comfort.
Father, we thank you for the Helper. May he guide our steps and convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
