Jesus spent several intense days preparing his followers for the fact that he would soon leave them. Understanding their consternation, he forecast the gift to come:

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you…when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

Jesus sent the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to indwell and empower all believers. An advocate works as a defender, supporter and champion. For a follower of Jesus our advocate, the Holy Spirit, is our biggest backer.

The Holy Spirit discerns truth from lies, reality from fantasy. I need that help now more than ever, with competing narratives swirling from all the disparate voices in this world. The truth is out there, if I give my Guide room to reveal it.

Unfortunately, I often overlook the Holy Spirit, because my Advocate speaks in a still, small voice. His whisper takes time and attention to detect. I need quiet, no phone or computer or television. The Holy Spirit is a gracious guest, so I must ask him to speak into into my life.

Embrace the greatest gift sent to us by Jesus, the source of hope and power to lead an abundant Christian life. Open your life to the Advocate.

John 16 in reading the Bible in 2023

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