Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 5Sample

At a stage during the three and a half years Jesus spent ministering with the Twelve, he promised them that after he had ascended into heaven, he would send the Counsellor (or Advocate), the Holy Spirit, to be with them (John 14:16-17). He assured them that it was to their advantage that he leaves (John 16:7).

On one occasion, when Jesus was with the disciples after his resurrection, he expressly commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promised third Person of the Trinity (Acts 1:4).

He said:

Acts 1:8

… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

During his journey discipling the Twelve, Jesus walked beside them, leading by example and showing them the ropes. Later he gradually entrusted them with selected missions and had them report back and debrief properly.

But the day would arrive when Jesus would permanently withdraw from and leave his students.

Jesus loved his disciples, and therefore he assured them in John 14:18 that he would not leave them as orphans (literally, “I will not leave you helpless”).

God’s design for the ‘functioning’ of his church was of such a nature that it was necessary (or “to your advantage”) for Jesus to leave and ascend into heaven.

He wanted to set in motion the next phase of his plan by dispatching the Holy Spirit into the hearts of believers.

The lives of the disciples changed radically after the outpouring of the Spirit – Peter became a powerful leader in this first church, James had a new zeal and boldness etc.

As a believer, do you live with a daily conviction and experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power?

Do you believe that God has given you everything you need through the indwelling of his Spirit in you – “for life and godliness” (2 Peter. 1:3)?

Spend a few minutes right now praising Jesus for the Counsellor he has given you and invite the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you again for today.