"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: John 14:15-18

 April 10

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. "I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you." - John 14:15-18 (RSV)

Have you ever felt forsaken or abandoned? You are not alone! The apostles felt the same way when they realized Jesus may not remain with them. Yet in his last week on earth, Jesus gathered his disciples together at his final Passover meal and spent long hours preparing them for his imminent death, knowing his time was limited on earth. His final words of comfort and instruction are contained in the gospel of John, the beloved apostle. Some of these powerful words of comfort are in today's scripture. Yet the disciples, like us today, struggled to understand Jesus words. How could it be that a "Counselor" would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples? The word Jesus used, parakletos, translated "Counselor" in the RSV English Bible, can also be translated Advocate, Lawyer, Comforter, Encourager, or Protector. Jesus also says the "Counselor" is no less than the Holy Spirit.

This divine Spirit is powerful and works for and with us. It is the presence of God helping you live as Jesus wants. The book of John records that Jesus said the Holy Spirit will: never leave or abandon us (14:16); 2) lives with us and in us (14:17); teaches us (14:26); and grants truth, wisdom, and insight (16:13). Many are unaware of the Holy Spirit's purposes and gifts, but the Holy Spirit gives us new ways to look at life and the assurance that we will never be forsaken or abandoned. When Jesus said, "I will come to you," it is still true today. After Jesus ascended to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to live in you and all believers. To have the Holy Spirit is to have Jesus present! Your Lord is always with you today and every day!

Prayer: Lord, Thank you I will not be abandoned. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Jesus is with you right now wherever you are through the presence of his Holy Spirit.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)