The purpose of this article is to shed light on the wise, friendly, and gracious friend living inside of us as followers of Christ: the Holy Spirit. Inspiration for today’s writing came from the Book of Matthew, which illustrates many times the disciples’ lack of faith, regardless of the fact that they were eyewitnesses to the truth and saw firsthand the miracles of the LORD.
For example, Matthew 16:6, KJV:
“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”
In response, the disciples:
“…reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.”
To you and me, full of the Holy Spirit as followers of Christ, Jesus’ message is quite simple: the spreading of false doctrine by the Pharisees and the Sadducees is similar to leaven in that, though it’s small, it can spread and corrupt the entire dough. However, to the disciples, Jesus was just asking about their food.
It’s so interesting, and it has always baffled me that a lot of the things Jesus said to his apostles weren’t understood. In fact, I found myself so many times switching places with them and convincing myself that, after seeing a man restore eyesight and raise a man from the dead, surely I would have a better understanding than the apostles did. But all this did was humble me further for even making such a comparison and bring me face to face with the truth.
Our Father in Heaven knows the diseased and evil nature of our minds and hearts, and He hasn’t left us alone:
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” — John 14:26, KJV
And then it became clear to me that the apostles didn’t understand His teachings and the things from above because they hadn’t yet received the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us this clearly:
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” — John 16:7, KJV
After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit entered them:
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:4, KJV
The Father sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, not only to die for our sins and thus free us from the grips of death, but also to give us the Holy Spirit, because only by trusting in what He did on the cross for us do we receive the Helper.
Thanks to the Holy Spirit, the mysteries of Scripture are known to us.
Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we pray and worship in an acceptable way to Him.
Thank you, Most High, for your design. Before your Son came into the world, you spoke to the prophets. While your Son walked the earth, He spoke to us. Since your Son left, the Spirit has continued to speak. You have never left us.
For non-believers, this is hope. The reason you can’t see God or know Him is that the Spirit who knows Him isn’t in you. Accept your sinful nature and that you need a savior. Humble yourself to see the free gift that knocks on your door every day. He loves you, and He wants to save you.
But as for us believers, a warning: although the Spirit lives in us, it is possible to suppress Him and resist His work:
“Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, KJV
Until next time, and as always, stand firm in Christ.
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