Our scripture this week is John 14:15-21.
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
Jesus tells us if we love Him, we will keep His commands. Our obedience is the way to show we love Jesus because we do what He has taught us. Humans have a pretty poor record of obeying, so we will need all the help we can get!
He tells us that even though He will be returning to the Father, there will be support for us always. The Holy Spirit will be His presence with us and in us to remind, teach and guide, just as He has. However, it is now up to each of us to share His love and His spirit with the rest of the world.
Jesus leaves us an awesome responsibility, but He promises we will not be alone. God will send “another advocate” to be with us. With each other’s help and the Holy Spirit present in us, we can keep His commands and do His will.
Loving Lord, we are weak, but with Your Spirit in us we are enabled and encouraged to do the work You give. Bless us to be the strong witnesses needed in Your world. Amen.