There is something I find extremely interesting about the last few hours that Jesus spent with His disciples before His betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. As they left the upper room after partaking in what we refer to as "The Last Supper" Jesus spoke with the disciples as they were heading towards the garden of Gethsemane. What I find interesting is what Jesus chose to make the topic of this "Last Conversation" after the Last Supper. What did Jesus wish to talk with the disciples about?
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Jesus spoke extensively to them of their need of the Holy Spirit. I cannot cover every aspect of that impartation in one devotional, so I will simply focus on what Jesus told them in John 14:26-27:
"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. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
The Holy Spirit is referred to here as "the Comforter." In the original Greek the word "comforter" is parakletos and is defined as "one who comes to the aid of another." Jesus was telling His disciples that as they went forward in their ministry, the Holy Spirit would be with them to aid and comfort them. In the next verse Jesus specifically mentions "peace" as well. So what does this mean in our lives as Christ followers today? This as well is a topic too detailed to discuss in full detail here, but for today I will simply say it this way: when we as believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can experience everything Jesus mentioned in John 14:
*We can be comforted by the Holy Ghost in situations where human comfort cannot help.
*We can have peace in situations where every circumstance tells us we should be living in fear, worry, and hopelessness.
*We can live with absolute confidence that regardless of what life may bring against, we are NEVER alone or forsaken - God will always be there with us, coming to our aid.
There have been times when on the surface, everything seemed to be wrong in my life. The loss of loved ones, health issues in my life and/or those closest to me, financial difficulties, and a myriad of other struggles have been there. Through it all, however, I have experienced an undeniable peace and comfort that couldn't be described as anything else but supernatural. God proved to me in those times that the Holy Ghost truly will "come to my aid" and empower me to continue in my walk with Christ. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, I encourage you to seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit. There's more to being a Christian than just the hope of going to Heaven: we can be filled with the Holy Ghost and have Heaven living in us! Jesus found this to be so important that He chose to discuss the Holy Spirit on the way to His betrayal. In other words, in the final moments of His earthly life, Jesus was concerned about OUR comfort and peace.
Having that kind of Savior is comforting indeed.
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