The Great Comforter
When Jesus finished His assignment here on earth and went to abide at the right hand of the Father, He didn’t abandon His disciples as some of them thought. Jesus’ promise was to never leave them nor forsake them and they had to remind each other those words. It’s the same today, it’s critical that we remind each other of HIS promises, and that the Savior’s words are alive and rich. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26 KJV).
The Greek word ‘paraclete’ means ‘comforter’ or ‘counselor’. The Holy Spirit serves as our counselor: an advisor, a teacher, and a confidant. The Holy Spirit is also our comforter as it provides both comfort and strength for those facing many of life’s challenges. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18 NIV).
Jesus knew that His time with His disciples was going to be brief during His three and a half years ministry on earth. We understand why His disciples were distressed by His death and departure from their presence. It was truly devastating, but little did they realize His death was not the end but the beginning. He wanted them to be motivated to greater faith with the precious promise of the Comforter who will come from the Father and be with them forever. The prophet even declared that the Christ child would bear the name ‘IMMANEL’ which means ‘God with us.’ “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel” (Isa 7:14 NIV).
Our Lord comforted His disciples with the truth and promises that the Holy Spirit will be to them exactly what He had been to them. His promises are the same today to each one of us. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16 NIV) Never forget Christ has come to live in the heart of each born-again disciple.
The Greek word ‘paraclete’ means ‘comforter’ or ‘counselor’. The Holy Spirit serves as our counselor: an advisor, a teacher, and a confidant. The Holy Spirit is also our comforter as it provides both comfort and strength for those facing many of life’s challenges. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18 NIV).
Jesus knew that His time with His disciples was going to be brief during His three and a half years ministry on earth. We understand why His disciples were distressed by His death and departure from their presence. It was truly devastating, but little did they realize His death was not the end but the beginning. He wanted them to be motivated to greater faith with the precious promise of the Comforter who will come from the Father and be with them forever. The prophet even declared that the Christ child would bear the name ‘IMMANEL’ which means ‘God with us.’ “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel” (Isa 7:14 NIV).
Our Lord comforted His disciples with the truth and promises that the Holy Spirit will be to them exactly what He had been to them. His promises are the same today to each one of us. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16 NIV) Never forget Christ has come to live in the heart of each born-again disciple.