MONDAY, OCTOBER 9
John 14:15-31
Acts 1:4-11

Open thou mine eyes…

WHY THE SPIRIT CAME

With Christ ascended, leaving the disciples on earth, the Gospel cause would have died an early and natural death – but for the Spirit’s coming. This event made all the difference! It ensured that the Gospel seed already sown would take root and become a mighty tree one day to fill all the earth. The Holy Spirit came to do the following:

(a) To witness unto the exaltation of Christ. Ten days after the risen Lord had ascended, the promised Comforter came in broad daylight. Not as a gentle dove, but with the sound of a rushing mighty wind from heaven, the Spirit settled on the disciples as cloven tongues of fire. Our Lord exalted on high had answered by wind and fire!

(b) To take Christ’s place. Our Lord had promised the sorrowing disciples, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever… I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16, 18). The Comforter came to comfort, strengthen, guide, encourage, and to do all that Christ would do – to all His disciples in all places at all times!

(c) To promote Christ’s cause. The Gospel was to be preached to all, unto the uttermost part of the earth. The adversary is powerful and the world hostile. Against these the handful of disciples were no match, but with the aid of God’s Spirit they were more than conquerors. With the Spirit co-labouring, the Gospel message goes forth with power, sinners are converted and saints edified. Believers are enabled to walk in newness of life and to be fruitful for the Lord.

(d) To empower Christ’s servants. Before the Spirit came, the disciples were a weak, fearful and disunited lot. When the Spirit came and filled them they were instantly transformed. As a fearless band they went about, boldly proclaiming Christ, and in His name worked mighty signs and wonders. We may not work any “signs and wonders” but we need the Spirit’s empowerment just the same. Without Him we can do nothing!

THOUGHT: How can I receive the Spirit’s empowerment?
PRAYER: Lord, may Thy Spirit descend upon my heart.