The Holy Spirit guides us in the truth – 19 April 2023
By Ewald Schmidt
Se(di)ngolwa (t)sa Bibele
JOHANNE 16
Each human being was created uniquely. Every one of us has our own unique way of learning the lessons of life. As individuals, we are also on different stages on our journey in following Christ. There are seasons in our spiritual life where our needs differ from other parts of our journey. Jesus knows this! When he spoke these words on the eve before he faced the cross, he knew they were going to be shocked by the events of the next day. He also knew that they would be shattered again when he had to leave them on the ascension day, six weeks later. In our times of crisis, our need for spiritual guidance and care differs from our normal, everyday life.
The Spirit of God was introduced as our Advocate in yesterday’s verse. We hire an advocate to represent us in a court case, because they are far more knowledgeable and experienced in matters of the law than we are. Far more than any human advocate, the Spirit of God knows all things. He knows me from my first moment of existence. He knows my thoughts, even before it occurs to me. His greatest desire is to lead me to Christ, to know him as my Saviour. He helps me to transform my life, being shaped by the words of Jesus. He teaches me the truth of God, helping me to accept it as the truth for my life. He teaches me to live as a new creation. He instructs me on how I should live to honour God with my life, in every aspect. He teaches me about the principles of the kingdom of God when I make decisions for my journey in life. He reminds me of the promises of God when I am enduring difficult times; he gives me the strength to endure everything that life may throw across my path.
When I know Christ as my Lord and Saviour, when I remain in his love, then Jesus gets the glory. When I am glorifying Christ, the Holy Spirit is successful in his most important mission in my life. Then, he also glorifies Christ.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank you that you came to transform my life. Thank you for living in me, guiding me to know and follow Jesus as my Lord. Thank you for teaching me the truth of God’s love. Thank you for giving me the strength I need to follow in Christ’s footsteps. Help me to bear the fruit that will honour God. Amen
