The Holy Spirit - Pt. 1
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 30 2024 | John 16:5-7
KEY VERSE:
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.“ John 16:7 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
In John 14, Jesus spoke about His impending departure, the coming of the Helper, and His eventual return. Yet, it seems His disciples didn’t fully grasp the significance of these words. The sorrow that filled their hearts, as expressed in John 16:6, revealed their struggle to accept the reality of His leaving.
In verse 7, Jesus shifts from addressing their emotions to offering a rational explanation, making two profound points about timing and purpose:
First, He emphasizes that His departure is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come.
Second, Jesus indicates that His mission on earth is complete, and it’s time for Him to leave. Recognize when your mission is complete and trust God’s timing to guide your next step.
In John 4, Jesus taught His disciples about the cycle of sowing and reaping, a principle also reflected in 1 Corinthians 3:8, where Paul reminds us that “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labour.”
The question then arises: why do some leaders, including God’s servants, struggle to step aside when their time is up? Holding on too long can sometimes unravel the very work they have built. The wisdom in the saying, “Leave when the applause is loudest,” is often overlooked.
Jesus, however, demonstrated His willingness to submit to the divine plan, understanding the importance of timing and transition. He reassured His disciples that the Holy Spirit, the Helper, would come after His departure—an essential part of God’s purpose.
Jesus also makes it clear that He will send the Holy Spirit, which might seem like a contradiction to John 14:26. But remember, the unity of purpose between the Father and the Son runs throughout the Gospel of John, showing us that their mission is one and the same.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Just as Moses’ departure encouraged Joshua to be courageous, and as Peter and Paul urged the Church to remain steadfast in God, we must recognise that no human is indispensable. Let us abandon selfishness and embrace God’s timing in all things. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, help us to understand and accept Your divine plan, recognising the importance of both Your entry and exit. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: GO AWAY
The phrase "go away" in John 16:7 comes from the Greek word "ἀπέρχομαι" (aperchomai), which means to depart, go away, or leave. In this context, Jesus is speaking about His departure from the disciples, referring to His return to the Father through His death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus' use of "go away" is not just a physical departure but signifies a transition in the way God will relate to His people. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus' presence will be with them in a new and profound way, guiding, comforting, and empowering them for ministry. Reflections Even when we feel like we are losing something or someone important, God may be preparing us for a new chapter in our spiritual journey. Are there situations in your life where you need to trust that God’s "going away" is actually preparing you for a greater spiritual experience or growth?
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