John 16 - Undervaluing God in Spirit

Jesus’ time on earth is quickly coming to a close, and he finishes up his last sermon or teaching to his disciples as they walk to Gethsemane. This final teaching was a heavy one that no doubt left his disciples with a heavy heart. Jesus said it this way;

“...None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭16:5-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus goes on to say;

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭16:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am sure the disciples struggled with this. Honestly, we struggle with this, don’t we? How often do we catch ourselves wondering or wishing Jesus would come back? Sometimes in a joking way, but honestly, if we process this and think about that statement, it is as if we are diminishing the God in Spirit that lives and reigns in us. I love this thought from Levi Lusko.

As a human, the disciples enjoyed Jesus’ company. But His plan all along was not to be with them, but in them. As a human, Jesus could only be in one place at one time. By sending God in Spirit, He would be with all believers simultaneously. As a human, the disciples would watch Jesus preach, minister, and serve. But now, they would see Him moving through their hands, mouths, and lips as they trusted Him to work through them.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” -‭‭John‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I have to say that my biggest takeaway is how much I undervalue God in Spirit. The Advocate has come, dwells in us, guides us into all truth, and is with all Christ-followers everywhere, simultaneously. It is almost as if one-third of the Trinity gets downplayed and lost in the mix. 

Lord, forgive me for undervaluing the Holy Spirit. May I turn to the Spirit of truth, Lord, may you guide me into all truth by your Spirit that lives and reigns in me. Amen.