The Advocate of Truth and Peace

John 16:5-15

Sometimes we have to let go of one thing, to make room for another.  In today’s passage, Jesus tries to explain to the disciples why he must go away.  I’m sure they were wondering who this “Advocate” was who was coming and wishing their dear friend could stick around a while longer.  But Jesus was adamant – the only way the Father’s plan would be complete is through the arrival of the Holy Spirit.  God gave the world his Son and now the Son is proclaiming the good news of the Spirit.

Not to trivialize, but it makes me think of the Three Musketeers, “All for one and one for all!”  We can’t get to the Father except through the Son and we get to the Son through the Spirit.  We need all three.

Several times throughout the book of John, especially in Chapter 14, Jesus mentions that He is the way to the Father and promises the Holy Spirit.  “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…” (v. 11) “And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” (v. 16).

This advocate is the Spirit of Truth – not the Spirit of Half-Truths or the Spirit of What We Hope to Be True, but real truth.  The only truth that matters.  ”The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14: 26-27).

Just as I’m sure the disciples were worried about what was to come, we too are worried about what happens next.  When we can’t see things clearly or understand why something happens, our humanness causes us to be afraid, but the Spirit’s message is peace.  So why not let go of the worry for something far greater – peace in Christ, through the Spirit, from the Father.

Rest In Me

Sleep is something I’m not very good at.  I don’t think I’ve had a really good night’s sleep in 20 years - since I was pregnant with my 19-year old son.  It’s not that I can’t get to sleep, it’s that I can’t stay asleep.  Like most moms, I’m awakened by the slightest noise, worried that something might be wrong.  Over the years, my body has become accustomed to waking up after a few hours.  And no thanks to technology, I’ve found ways to occupy these early morning hours - staring at a screen.   Ugh!

So many studies point to sleep as a key to good health.  I know it’s important and each night I tell myself, “Tonight’s going to be different.”  But there’s the problem, I tell MYSELF.  I try to find serenity within and that’s the last place I’m going to find it.

I’m no stranger to the idea that I need to cease relying on my own effort and lean on God.  I know I can’t do this on my own.  Time and experience have taught me I’m a horrible self-regulator.  See, there it is again – SELF.  If only I could rest in the notion that the Holy Spirit will work it out on my behalf.

It seems there’s a simple answer to the question, “How can trusting God help me sleep?”  Faith = Sleep and Sleep = Faith.  This Lenten season I plan to trade old habits for new ones.  (And no, I don’t mean giving up sweets for more vegetables, though I should.) This is what I plan to do:

1.  Go to bed at a reasonable hour.

2.  Don’t scroll through my phone.

3.  When I wake in the middle of the night, repeat today’s verse… “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

And maybe, just maybe, if I repeat “But take heart!” enough times, it’ll send me right back to sleep.  A sleep that will restore not only my mind and body, but my spirit as well.

Wouldn’t it be great to wake up refreshed in the knowledge that He is the Prince of Peace and the day will be better because of my relationship with Him?! 

 

The Spirit came to glorify Jesus

Read John 16:7-15 and reflect on the passage.

"I'm doing this for your own good." These words might precede a reprimand or teaching moment. Many of us have heard these words spoken by a parent or teacher just before a punishment or lesson was doled out. Somewhere along the way we did something to earn this lesson and anyway we viewed it, it wasn't going to be fun.

Jesus said similar words to his disciples before He Ascended into Heaven. "It is to your advantage that I go..." (John 16:7) By no means was this a reprimand, but part of God's plan for us all along. Jesus had to leave for everything else to fall into place. The work was just begun. As one of the commentaries I used pointed out, "Christ's bodily presence draws men's eyes, His Spirit draws their hearts."

There was much that man needed to learn, much he needed to remember accurately so it could be recorded. We had a great need for a 'helper', and still do today. Jesus had to depart so He could send His Holy Spirit, our Helper. It was necessary, fitting, and part of the plan from the beginning.

Every time we pray, "Come, Holy Spirit," we know that Jesus has sent Him to us. Had Jesus not gone, we would not have the blessing of The Holy Spirit in our lives. Everything would be different. It was to our advantage that Jesus returned to the Father.