The Holy SpiritNäide

The promise of a vacation. The anticipation of Christmas. The excitement as the wedding day approaches. When we know for sure that something good is coming, we look forward to it with eagerness. Especially if the season we’re currently in is a hard one.

When Jesus spoke to his close followers the night before he died on the cross, he knew they would be facing dark days. For three and a half years, these men had followed him, believing he was going to save Israel from the oppression of Rome, not understanding fully that he had come to save us all from our sin. His death was going to send them reeling. So, as he shared a last meal with them, he promised that another comforter would come in his place.

This would be the Holy Spirit. He would help them. He would stay with them forever, not just for a moment or even a season, but always. Not only would he be with them, he would live inside them. In the centuries before Christ came, the Israelites had had few interactions with the Holy Spirit of God, and when they did, it was for a short time or for a set purpose. Jesus promised them, this time, it would be different.

And on the day of Pentecost, the promise was fulfilled. The Holy Spirit came down to live in every believer on that day. He still lives in every believer today. As we work through this reading plan, we’ll see how he fills, guides, comforts, and transforms us.

Prayer: God, thank you for your Holy Spirit. You knew this life is hard, so you promised another comforter to help us in this life. Help me to understand the Holy Spirit better so that I can love people as you love people. Amen.