It’s an inside job (2)

“It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go…the Helper will not come to you.” John 16:7 NKJV

Even as the disciples’ hearts ached about Jesus’ departure, He assured them it was to their advantage because it would bring them a new era of power and authority (see John 14:12). Being “under new management” wasn’t the end but a continuation of Christ’s ministry as the Holy Spirit took the baton from the Son’s hand and placed it in theirs. The Son would leave, but the Spirit would “abide with [them] forever” (John 14:16). This was their “advantage.” The Spirit would enter their human bodies and live permanently in them! This is no tentative, vague connection. It’s God’s Spirit choosing us as His permanent dwelling place. Have you ever considered the advantage this gives you? For example, you might awake tomorrow feeling stressed, weary, and irritated, and humanly speaking, these feelings could easily dictate your day. But because the Spirit lives in you, these things don’t have to control you. Paul wrote, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 NKJV). Once you accept that promise by faith, you become God’s temple. You can be at work, driving the kids to school, walking the dog, waiting for biopsy results, or attending the funeral of your best friend, and as you go about your everyday life, God’s Spirit is living in you. Can you see now why Jesus told the disciples it was good for Him to leave and send the Holy Spirit? Whatever you do, don’t let this life-changing truth slide by you!

Bible in a year: Ecc 4-6 and 2 Corinthians 5