The Comforter Has Come.

This week’s Thought is by Peter Hodson.

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, 
“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! 
For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” 
(When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) (John 7:37-39)


Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)

I love the subject of apologetics.  However, to me the most compelling evidence of the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ to the Father, is the undeniable fact that the Holy Spirit has come in power.  The Spirit who convicts us of sin; the Spirit who reveals Jesus to us; the Spirit who unctions us in prayer and in true worship; the Spirit who comforts us and brings to mind His word in time of need.


It is sad that so many Christians have been hindered in receiving their full and rightful inheritance, often through lack of knowledge or giving in to the lie that Pentecost was for a bygone age and, consequently, live Christian life in a half-light and often in defeat.


Do we fully realise the astounding truth that Jesus is indeed alive?  He has been raised from the dead and ascended to his Father - and so has poured out His Holy Spirit on all who believe!  The Father, Son and Holy Spirit working together in bringing us such a complete and wonderful salvation!  Praise God that we can now live in His joy and in victory over sin!


We can often get bombarded with doubts, fears and discouragements.  They come at us constantly from a hostile world that has been blinded by the arch enemy of Christ, the devil.  He is a liar and the father of lies and yet he can plague our minds so subtly and will try to get our eyes away from Jesus Christ, who is the Truth.


Let’s resolve to give our lives more wholeheartedly to the One who has bought us with such a price; to more constantly avail ourselves of His wonderful Gift; to live more constantly in the awareness of His presence and in obedience to His promptings.

God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honour in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.  (Acts 2:32)


Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God. (Acts 2:38-39)