GodReflection: Come and See—God Saved the Best for Now

“Come and see,” said Philip (John 1:46). “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now” (John 2: 10).

I’ve never doubted that I was designed to play a participatory role in life. At the same time, it didn’t take too many steps along the trail to see that the things which seem to be within my control can be listed on a rather small screen.

Not too long ago over a telephone conversation with my friend Jim R., we talked with amusement of the illusion we experienced in our former “work world” of “being in charge” only to awake in our “elderly years” to the realization that nothing is really in our control.

I need a Holy Helper. Life is hard.

Restaurants tease their diners with appetizers. Movie Theaters show previews. Televisions and computer screens light up with the advertisements of soon to be released products. Each year Apple manufactures suspense as it builds to announce the new iPhone.

In John’s Gospel he invites me to come and see a preview of the Holy Helper. He doesn’t offer a lot of detail. It is more like a description of an appetizer that will draw me toward something even better.

So, his first hint is, the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified (7:39). Next, he shares a statement from Jesus, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth (14:16-17). And, when He arrives His presence will be recognized, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Finally, Jesus tells his disciple see that he has to depart earth for his Triune Holy Spirit to indwell within: 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 (16:7).

The remainder of the New Testament stands as the fulfillment of Jesus promise. The Holy Helper is truly one of God’s best saved for my now.

To be truthful, I am still in learning mode when it comes to Jesus advocacy from within. It’s a daily challenge to live into the promise: he lives with you and will be in you.

It seems to me that this “inside relationship” calls me to participate in at least three ways.

First, I find that I need to keep the flow of Scripture in my life to help me identify His presence and His actions. I would like to think that I do this reasonably well. Although, I must admit I am woefully unaware of the totality of the Holy presence.

Second, my side of the conversation with the Holy is expressed by worship, gratitude, presentation of needs, pleas, observations and submission. Certainly, I would not grade myself with high marks on this one.

Third, I must return to my previously mentioned Jim R. conversation. Each day I realize more and more how very little of life is within my control. I am more acutely aware than ever of how much I need the Holy Helper.

Increasingly, I find my language has begun to change in my prayer life. I hope it has moved more toward the trust side of the continuum.

I find my request to be more along the lines of, “Lord, I trust you to solve this in your way and in your time. Show me how you might want me to help.”

I close where I started. I need a Holy Helper. Life is hard.

I would love to hear what you have observed through the years of how the Holy Helper shows his presence within you.

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells

A GodReflection: Come and See the Holy Helper

Gary@Godreflection.org       www.GodReflection.org

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