However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. John 16:13 WEB
During the ministry of Jesus, his disciples misunderstood much of what he taught. Many of his teachings mystified Jesus’ followers until after his resurrection. For example, when Jesus responded to the request for a sign of his divinity saying in John 2:19, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” his listeners did not realize that our Lord spoke of his body as a temple, prophesying his own death and resurrection. John 2:22 makes clear the misunderstanding saying, “When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. WEB”
Since the Old Covenant, given to the Jews, God promises he will guide you and me. He does not force his will upon us, nor does he replace our free will and thoughts, but rather, the Spirit of God directs us as our supreme source of help. As the prophet wrote to the nation of Israel in Isaiah 58:11, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. NIV”
The Spirit of Truth
After the ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit of God is poured out on all believers, Jews and Gentiles alike. Called out of the world to serve God, Jesus says to believers in John 14:17-19, “the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him and doesn’t know him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. WEB”
Also, in John 14:26 Jesus says, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. WEB” When we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit of God, he will guide you and me, reminding us of the words of Christ. Like Jesus, the Holy Spirit only says what God speaks. He is the Spirit of God, leading us to obey the word and will of our heavenly Father, reminding us of scripture and revealing the mysteries of things to come.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the help and guidance of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for my salvation in Jesus Christ. Guide me to do your will. Help me to serve your purpose with wisdom and your righteousness. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: I Know Them
