April 8. Reading and Leading Up to Easter. John chapter 14.

Saturday, April 8                  John 14

The Help We Need

It was British author and poet G.K. Chesterton who said, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.”  The factual, moral, and philosophical foundations of Christianity have never faltered when honestly considered.  More often, the ideals and demands of Christianity have seemed impossible to fulfill, and therefore left untouched and unengaged.

Jesus raises the bar to seemingly super-human levels. In fact, it is super-natural. He invites is to life as He lived, and even to do the works that He did (John 14:12).

In John 14, Jesus tells His disciples He will soon be leaving them.  His crucifixion was drawing near.  Yet, His demands were not decreasing – rather it seemed each day He called for a higher and higher level of living.  It is not hard to imagine how distressing this must have been to these frail followers.

Then, Jesus underscores His prescribed remedy for the dilemma.  He tells them He will send a Helper.  Twice in this chapter, Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit.  In essence, He is saying, “Listen you guys.  I know you are stumbling because you say you can’t live the way you should.  OK.  I’ll admit it.  You’re right!  You can’t do it!  So, here’s what I’m going to do.  I’ll send you the Help you need.  The Holy Spirit will give you all you need to live at this higher level.”

This is why each of us need more of the Holy Spirit.  He is the power that enables weak disciples to become faithful followers.  Jesus said it this way, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).  He does this by sending the Holy Spirit to fill us and empower us.  It is super-natural.  Plain, normal people like you and me can receive this divine enablement by simply praying: “Lord, fill my life with Your Spirit so that I can live like You call me to live.”

Jesus loves to answer this prayer.  Let’s pray it today.

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