“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor–Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever– 17the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. 18“I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you.” John 14:16-18 AMP
Jesus gave us a promise that He would give us a “helper” since He would no longer be physically present on the earth. The Greek word used here is the Paraclete. The word means “one who comes along side.” It is the picture of the small tugboat that guides a ship through the channel. While in general, the term paraclete described a legal advocate who would come along side of the accused and guide him through the unknown areas of the law. Today, the Holy Spirit’s job is to navigate us through the trials and circumstances of life.
The Word is clear that we can only “see in part” now the things of God and His work. The Apostle Paul confirmed this when he said that,
“In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. 27And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:26-27 AMP
The Scripture tells us that we have two advocates on our side. On earth, the Holy Spirit pleads our case and cause. The things we do not understand He brings enlightenment to us through revelation and application of God’s Word. In heaven, Jesus is our advocate with the Father. He pleads our case and presents us holy and blameless before the throne of grace! Many today are seeking spiritual guidance from several places. Demonic principalities and powers love to operate in this realm. Deceivers claiming to channel sprit guides and communications with the dead are all too available in our world today. These demonic workings spread falsehoods and lead people away from the truth and life Jesus came to give! The Bible gives us warning about seducing spirits, lying spirits, and deceitful spirits!
“But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons,” 1 Timothy 4:1 AMP
The Holy Spirit is our guide revealing truth to us through God’s Word. Those of the world cannot receive of this knowledge because the Holy Spirit is not with them. What we have to say and do seems to be foolishness to them.
Jesus said that it was a good thing that He depart and go to the Father so that the Holy Spirit could be released to be our advocate as we walk this road called life! Take time today to be with your advocate. Learn to hear His voice and let Him guide you on your journey! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken