But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. John 14:26 WEB

These words follow Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit after his departure. As Jesus prepares his faithful for his death, resurrection, and ultimate ascension into heaven, Christ comforts and encourages them. Until that time, Christ taught and guided his followers. But, as is the case with all of us, the disciples still had a lot to learn. Christ promises that “the Counselor,” the Holy Spirit, would continue to teach and influence them. 

In addition, the Counselor reminds the faithful of the words of Jesus Christ. From the teaching of Christ, through to the guidance of the Spirit of God, we learn from the divine source of creation how to live godly lives of obedience to the will of our Father in heaven. 

God Goes with You

The role of the Counselor is to reinforce the teaching of Christ. It is to convict the heart of sin and instruct believers in righteousness. Also, the Spirit of God fulfills a promise that God will never leave nor forsake his people. As we read in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. NIV”

Just as Moses encouraged God’s chosen people to understand God’s permanent presence, Jesus, knowing that his disciples will soon witness very distressing events, encourages his followers to understand that the Lord will always be with them. The disciples do not yet fully understand what Jesus teaches but they will continue to learn. When God pours out his Holy Spirit upon them, the Counselor will remind them of the words of Christ and they will come to a more complete understanding of how Jesus fulfilled all his promises. 

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Blood of Jesus