[16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, [17] even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 15:16-17)
Have you ever received a gift that will last a lifetime?
I was gifted my great grandfather’s pocket watch. I can’t guarantee the watch will accurately keep time for my entire life. But I’m certain I’ll end up passing the watch down to one of our children. In this disposable age, such a gift is rare.
But not as rare as gifts that will last through eternity. Yet we have received such a gift. Jesus said he would ask God the Father to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This happened when we were brought to faith in Christ. In fact, it’s a promise attached to baptism.
Jesus calls this indwelling Holy Spirit our “Helper.” The Spirit “helps” is by…
- Reminding us of Jesus’ teaching (John 14:26)
- Interceding for us. (Romans 8:26)
- Teaching us what to say in challenging situations. (Luke 12:12)
- Producing fruit in our lives. (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Strengthening our trust in Christ. (Romans 8:16)
The Holy Spirit is such a wonderful gift from the God the Father, a truly everlasting gift.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 