21 Days in the Gospel of John With Levi Lusko Sample

 A Parting Gift 

Have you ever noticed that some people are better at giving gifts than others? They understand your style and know what you would actually like. Others are just as kind and it’s still very nice… but when you open their presents you mean it when you say, ”You shouldn’t have!” It’s not that you're ungrateful, they just missed by a lot. Then when the smoke clears you’re left wondering what to do with this random present. 

In today's passage, we see Jesus promise His followers the gift of the Holy Spirit. A gift is a tangible demonstration of love. It's one thing to say "I love you," but love is proven when dialogue gives way to deed. Through the giving of the Holy Spirit, we get an actual—albeit invisible—demonstration of God's love. And this gift comes with a clear purpose. Jesus promises us a comforter who will be our constant companion. This is something that will change every area of your life. Through the Holy Spirit, we also have constant communication. Though Jesus is not here physically, we are not stranded in the desert without cell service. This had immediate application to the Gospel writers who would put on paper the teachings of Jesus, but it has ongoing application for us today. It is through the Holy Spirit working in us that we grow and learn in our walks. "These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:13-14).

The result of this ongoing communication is something we all want, something we're all looking for: Peace. Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). The world offers a peace that is a temporary escape. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, sex, or whatever. But Jesus doesn't give peace like the world gives—He gives lasting peace. How do you encounter this comfort, communication, and peace? How do you get "filled with the Spirit"? The same way you get saved: Realize your need and ask in faith. Like any other gift, you must choose to receive it.

Remember: Through the Holy Spirit, we have comfort, communication, and peace.