Read: John 14:25-29
The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things. (v. 26)
I once ran a 5K race. I trained, but as someone who isn’t a natural runner, I hated almost every minute. I was slow and miserable. However, when I turned the final corner toward the finish line, there were people lining the street to cheer on the runners. Suddenly, instead of hobbling, I picked up the pace. I managed to run well for those last several hundred meters because of their encouragement.
In the ancient world, those people gathered on the street cheering the runners were known as advocates. To his followers, Jesus made no secret that he was leaving. He was going to be glorified (on the cross). He was going to the Father (in the ascension). However, Jesus promised that when he went to the Father, the Father would send the Holy Spirit as an Advocate in his name. The Holy Spirit would teach the disciples everything Jesus said and remind them what he had told them (v. 26), but would also be their encourager. The Spirit would come alongside the disciples (actually filling them) so that they could continue in the way of Jesus.
All disciples of Jesus are running a race. We are all called to move in the way of Jesus. Though Jesus has left earth to go to the Father, he has not left us alone. He has sent the Holy Spirit so that we can “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).
As you pray, ask God to fix your eyes on Jesus and fill you with his Spirit.
About the Author
Stephen Shaffer is the pastor at Bethel Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario.
