spirit!

Spirit! What images come to mind when you hear the word spirit?  I hear lots of ideas about what it means to be “spiritual.”   Many are confused about the Holy Spirit–the One Jesus calls the “Spirit of truth.”  For starters, the Holy Spirit is not an “it”–a vapor with no identity.  Jesus calls this Spirit by the personal pronoun he. The Holy Spirit is a person and as such, has a personality.  John 16 provides us with the Holy Spirit’s personality profile as well as His job description. Jesus, knowing the cross awaits Him, prepares His followers for the trying times ahead. Though they will face persecution, they will not be alone, He reassures them.  The Holy Spirit will be with them.  He then explains the role of this somewhat mysterious Spirit in John 16.

The Amplified Version gives us a wonderful glimpse into the personality and work of the Holy Spirit.  It’s one of my favorite tools for study.  The translator included different words to explain the fine nuances of the original languages. See if you can pick out the different roles the Holy Spirit plays in our Christian walk. Click here to read the rest of the passage in the Amplified Version.

However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you. John 16:7.

Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby.  No wonder Jesus told us  it was for our good that He would go to the Cross, be resurrected, and send the Holy Spirit to be with us, and dwell in us.  Why not spend some time today simply reflecting on the Holy Spirit, the mysterious and wonderful third person of the Trinity.