TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3
John 14:16-21
Psalm 119:49-56

“O how love I thy law!…”

HOLY SPIRIT: PARACLETE, COMFORTER

Christ’s departure was absolutely necessary for the Comforter’s coming. To His disciples He said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7). It was part of God the Father’s divine plan for man’s salvation.

God first sent His Son to dwell among men as Emmanuel, God incarnate, the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14). Now our Lord’s earthly task was done and the time came for Him to return to the Father. Nevertheless, He did not leave them comfortless, like orphans. Read John 14:16-18. God then sent His Spirit to take the place of our ascended Lord, with added benefits. Whereas our Lord’s presence on earth in person was limited in time, the Spirit is to abide for ever; and whereas during the days of His flesh, He was present in only one place at any one time, the Holy Spirit is able to reside with believers individually in all places at all times. Read Romans 11:33.

The Holy Spirit comes to us personally as “the Paraclete” (Greek) or “Comforter” to each individual believer. The work of the Comforter is more than to console. He is sent from God the Father and our Lord Jesus to stand by our side and to strengthen us, and help us along in our spiritual walk in the same way as Jesus had done for the disciples while He was on earth. Beyond “comforting,” the Comforter strengthens us in our weaknesses, consoles us when we are cast down, supplies grace when we are in need, illumines us when we are perplexed, teaches and guides us into all truth, and keeps us safe until we arrive Home.

As our Lord glorified the Father by dying for us, the Spirit glorifies the Son by living in us. Thank God for the ever present Comforter.

THOUGHT: Does the Comforter or Paraclete dwell in me?
PRAYER: Father, manifest Thyself in me.