We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk.
You are welcome to share this and include it in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
John 14:23-29 (NRSV)
23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. 25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
Reflection:
These words are part of a larger section of John’s Gospel that speaks about the coming of the Holy Spirit (or Paraclete). It is through the Holy Spirit that we can keep the word of God, which is here equated with loving God. In fact, without the Holy Spirit, we are incapable of any type of sustained relationship with God, and in turn, any kind of sustained obedience to God. It is as God indwells us that we are able to dwell in God. It is as God empowers us that we are able to live out the word of God. It is as God loves us that we are able to love God, love others, and even love ourselves.
Our passage reminds us that the Holy Spirit (or Advocate) teaches, reminds, and gives peace. What is the Holy Spirit teaching you about the Father’s love, and how is this helping you to see yourself and others differently today? How is the Holy Spirit reminding you about the way Jesus ministered to others, and how is this shaping the way you interact with others today? How is the Holy Spirit giving peace to you today, and how can you rest in this peace as you go about the work of the Kingdom in the places where God will lead you?
Prayer:
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We come confessing that we have often lived our lives in our own human abilities rather than in the power of the Holy Spirit. Forgive us and help us this day to be more aware of the work of your Spirit to teach, remember, and give peace. In Christ’s name, Amen
Rev. Rob A. Fringer, PhD
NTC Principal