Over the past few weeks, we rediscovered the creative ways in which God uses people to fulfil His master plan. I do not know about you, but in the light of man’s shortcomings, self-centeredness and very often hit-and-run methodology, I sometimes wonder why God still prefers to use man to fulfil his godly plan. He knows how fallible we are!

 

But then I remember Jesus’ promise to “ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17) He is the unseen Companion who makes his home with and in believers so that they can know him and strictly follow his lead. A privilege not allotted to the world.

 

Contemplate. In our unpredictable, broken and hostile world, would you like to have a helper who shields you from attacks 24/7? This is exactly what happens when our heavenly Father sends the Advocate (Counsellor), the Spirit of truth, into one’s life. You see, when Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as an Advocate (Counsellor – Helper), He used the word “Paracletes/Paraclete” – a military term taken from earlier military strategy. It means that the soldiers stood back-to-back in pairs, thus covering the side of his partner left unprotected. In other words, a person’s battle buddy, or helper, was your Paraclete, your Counsellor – a trustworthy helper that would cover your back. What a godly privilege the believer has! The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth is his unseen companion.

 

In no uncertain terms, Jesus spells out the task of the Spirit: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father – the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father – he will testify about me.” (John 15:26-27)

 

And then he includes his disciples in this command: “And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:27) This command to testify, took root after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. We, as believing followers in 2022, are now his representatives on earth. Can you understand that without the presence of the Spirit of Truth, the Advocate or Counsellor ("Paraclete") in and with us, we cannot be effective witnesses? He is the One that enables and empowers believers to continue God’s kingdom work on earth. He is the unseen Companion that directs the course of every worker in the kingdom of God.

 

Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus, our Mediator. Thank you for the Spirit of truth that made his home in the lives of believers and thank you for the godly privilege to house the Invisible Companion in my life. Amen