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The Advocate

As Jesus was wrapping up his time on earth, he shared some surprising truths with his disciples. In John 16:7, Jesus said, “It is best for you that I go away...” (John 16:7 NLT). We often read over short statements like this without much thought. Pause for just a moment and put yourself in their sandals. Imagine Jesus saying these words to you.

How would you feel?

The disciples probably thought, “How on earth can it be best for you to go away? You are Jesus!” In his time on earth, they had experienced his love, power, direction, and care whenever he was around them. However, whenever Jesus physically left their space, they did not experience him again until he returned. In their own experience, life was most certainly better when Jesus was with them and more difficult when he was gone. How could it make sense that it was best for Jesus to go away?

The larger context makes the reasoning clear. “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you” (John 16:7).

The Advocate that Jesus spoke of is the Holy Spirit. The Greek word translated here as advocate can also be translated as “comforter” or “helper.” The Greek word refers to “a legal advocate who makes the right judgment call because he is close enough to the situation.”

Everything changed when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit. The disciples no longer had to be physically near him to experience his presence. The Holy Spirit would live inside of each of them! The Holy Spirit would always be close enough to advise, comfort, help, and advocate on their behalf. All that Jesus did for his disciples when he was personally present with them would now always be present in the person of the Holy Spirit. This is why it was best!

As a disciple of Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you. He is with you right now! More than that- he is for you! The Holy Spirit desires to bring comfort, help, encouragement, and support to your life. He desires to be your advocate! These are all amazing realities, but there is even more. The Holy Spirit allows us to reconnect to the Father in a personal and beautiful way.

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."

Romans 8:15-16

Are there times in your life when you feel distant or disconnected from God? Have you ever felt shame and guilt related to sin or a struggle and allowed this to bring fear into your relationship with the Lord? Have you ever felt like your past track record is impacting your current reality?

The truth of the matter is that the Holy Spirit is your Advocate. He is for you, not against you. The Holy Spirit stands by your side in the struggle. When the lies of the enemy are coming at you, the Holy Spirit is with you. When you don’t feel worthy, the Holy Spirit is working to remind you that you are worthy. When you don’t feel loved, the Holy Spirit testifies that you are loved.

The Holy Spirit works to remove every obstacle that would keep you from the loving arms of your Heavenly Father. His desire is for you to reconnect with God in a personal relationship—one so personal that you can call him…. Abba… Father… Dad… Papa…, and Daddy.

Reflection:

In your interactions with God, do you feel a heart connection to your Heavenly Father?

Talk this through with your Advocate, the Holy Spirit, today.