The Holy Spirit

Stop.

Get a piece of paper and something to write with. Take five minutes and write or draw everything you can think of for the Holy Spirit. What is it, what does it do, and what does it mean for your life?

Listen.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:26-27

Reflect.

This coming Sunday, the 23rd, we celebrate the church festival of Pentecost. In the church, Easter is the highest holiday and Christmas Day comes second. Pentecost is in third place. On Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy Spirit coming to Jesus’ believers, just as Jesus promised, and that the Spirit continues to guide, inspire, and teach us today. 

Many believers can speak readily to the first two persons of the Trinity. God, traditionally known as the Father, is expression of God that is most associated with creation. God, traditionally known as the Son, came to live among us as Jesus Christ and save us from sin and death. But what about God the Spirit, sometimes called the Sanctifier? What is the Holy Spirit all about? 

One way to think about what the Spirit is and does comes from this passage in John 14. In this chapter, Jesus speaks to his disciples to comfort and prepare them for the end of his time with them on earth. He promises that “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things”.  

The word translated in the NRSV translation of the Bible as “advocate” is parakletos, or Paraklete. The word typically has legal implications, as one who makes a case on behalf of another. The word can also be translated as helper or comforter. With this word choice, Jesus tells us more about what the Spirit is and will do. The Spirit will guide us, care for us, and continue to teach and guide us as Jesus did. The Spirit will continue to make the case for faith as well us teach us to make the case in our own lives.  

On Pentecost, the church celebrates the gift of this advocate, helper, and comforter. The fullness of God is made known in the church so that we can have God’s continued guidance and wisdom with us as we discern God’s will, preach God’s word, and live as Jesus has called us to live.

Pray.

Holy Spirt, come to us today. Comfort us in any fear or confusion. Help us as we make faithful decisions in our daily lives. Advocate for the faith, that your teaching would guide us as we share that same faith with the world. Amen.

Carry On.

Consider how you’ve heard the Holy Spirit talked about, whether in scripture, hymns, devotions, or faith conversations. What do you know about what the Spirit does? What would you like to learn more about? How will you learn those things?