COMFORTER
03rd Feb 2021
Jesus was about to go to the cross and was explaining this to His disciples. They were finding it very hard to contemplate life without their friend and companion. He then began to tell them about the Holy Spirit. John 14:17 says, “But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” I have been with you, but am physically limited to one place.
John 16:7 expands this further, “It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go I will send him to you.” When he comes He will be with each of you. He will be a Comforter, Helper and Companion.
I was thinking back to when I was baptised in the Holy Spirit; one of the things that I found to be wonderful and life changing was the indwelling presence of Jesus that came into my life at that time. Over the years I had been in many very moving services and felt God’s presence, but on the following morning it had all disappeared. Now it was different, His presence was with me and has never left me.
The isolation of lockdown is not easy and we are all missing that human contact with friends and family, however, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we have a friend and companion living inside of us. Jesus explained this to his disciples in John 16:32, “You will leave me all alone. Yet, I am not alone for my Father is with me.”
There is a wonderful song sung by CeCe Winans entitled “Comforter.” I will give you the link to a YouTube performance. Here are some of the words, “You are comforter, that’s who you are to me. Comforter a name that fits so perfectly. Peace that passes all understanding. Comforter is who you are to me.”
When we say, “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” we are declaring that we are not alone but surrounded by the security of the Trinity. Live in the good of it today.
by Charles Sibthorpe
