I. The WORD: John 14:26

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (NKJV)

II. Reflection Questions

1. What does the word Helper mean to you?
2. Do you appreciate having a helper or would rather do things on your own? Why or why not?

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (NKJV).

There are several definitions for helper but the one that we will be referring to is “One called alongside to help or called to one’s aid.”  In this case, the one called to help is not sitting back and taking instructions but walking side by side with us.  Jesus already knew what it would take for us to live a Christ-Centered life and that we needed aid from one who knew what it would take.  So, He sent us a Helper.  There are times that I think it’s better to do something myself than to work with others.  But the truth is it is so much better to have a helper who knows exactly what is needed to succeed.  Even though I may think that I’ve covered it all, the helper reveals my blind spots.

Jay and I had the privilege of going to Israel last year with Tirosh Expeditions and were fortunate to have Arie Bar David as our tour guide.  As we traveled from place to place, Arie would alert us to biblical/ historical events that occurred and give us opportunities to stop, pull our bibles out and read a relevant passage.  Some of the passages we were familiar with but when Arie would explain and break them down and give us some background information, a vivid picture was painted for us of what was going on during biblical times. It brought new illumination and understanding leading us to that “Aha” moment.  Now, we don’t have to wait to go to Israel to get this illumination – as John 14:17 says, we have the Holy Spirit with us and in us.  In addition, per vs 26, He is available to teach us all things and bring to our remembrance all things that Jesus said.  We just need to ask Him.

I find the work environment one of the most challenging places to be in, as a Christ Follower.  I am about 3 months into a new job and getting to know my co-workers.  Since I don’t know them well I have to constantly be on guard not to be quick to judge and whenever I find myself going down that road, the Holy Spirit catches my attention and reminds me of who I’m representing and to look at them as Christ would.  Just this week, three of us were talking about a work situation. One of my coworkers switched topics to some music that she was listening to on Spotify and had customized a channel and given it a name.  She said she didn’t want to share what the name was right then because she was afraid I would judge her.  Given the type of music it was, in my mind, I was bracing myself but had to check myself to tread carefully and hopefully my facial expressions cooperated.  I said that I wouldn’t judge her and so she told us the name.  We had a good laugh but she ended up saying the person that she thought would judge her didn’t but, the one she thought wouldn’t did.  It was all in good fun but I still had to think about what I was portraying.  However, had I not been in constant communication with my Helper, I would most likely have messed things up.

So I say all of that to say, let us remember that Christ sent us a Helper because we can’t live the life that He wants us to by ourselves.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so glad that you sent us a Helper.  Holy Spirit we ask that you continuously remind us that you are here with us and in us and that we are not left alone to figure out this life.  Reveal yourself in a fresh way to each of us.  In Jesus’ name we pray…Amen.