John - Another Helper

One of the problems Christians experience is not seeing Jesus. It occasions many temptations and discouragements. Yet it is of the essence of Christian faith. If we feel that so did his disciples when he said he was going away. To encourage them (and us) he explained what was happening and assured them of the divine love for them. He promised 'another helper'. We are not left on our own to carry kingdom responsibilities; the Spirit brings Jesus' presence. When he works we deepen in our understanding of spiritual reality and in our relationship with God. If we keep his commands God responds by making himself known to us increasingly - it is all about relationship so pleasing him is not legalistic but the response of love. If we find ourselves in spiritual darkness we should pray for more of the Spirit's work. Jesus' assurance is that we are not alone. The Spirit's presence distinguishes us from the world. Even times of trouble should strengthen our faith rather than undermine it for scripture leads us to expect that. The wheat and the tares will grow together, but Christ will separate them at last. For the disciples, Jesus' death must have seemed the final victory of evil. But 'he has nothing in me' - Satan's only hold is human sin of which Jesus was free. Therefore his death must have been in our place, and once he had put sin away he had to rise and give life to his people also. If we are troubled because we do not see him let us ponder these things, then 'Arise, let us go'.