God, the Advocate (II)
Scripture Reading — John 14:15-21
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever. . . .”
An advocate offers support and pleads on behalf of someone (or something), ensuring fair and honest treatment. An advocate aims to look after, protect, care for, and fight for the one they are assigned to. The Bible’s word for this, in Greek, is paraclete, and this means “called to the side of.”
The Holy Spirit, our paraclete, is God’s gift to all who follow Jesus. The Spirit of God continues the work of Jesus by empowering us to continue the Lord’s work on this earth: teaching, sharing the good news of God’s salvation, caring for the sick—the list goes on and on. In addition, the Holy Spirit helps us understand the truth of the message and ministry of Jesus.
The Spirit of truth not only helps our understanding but is also our Counselor and Comforter, and these roles tie in with the work of an advocate as well.
Christians and the church have been given the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, who comes alongside to protect and defend, encourage and embolden, admonish and correct. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord’s people carry on the truth of God’s redemptive plan for all creation.
Triune God, you are mysterious and magnificent. The Father’s love, exemplified in the life of the Son, and poured out in us through the Holy Spirit, gives us all we will ever need to be received into your glorious kingdom. May we ever grow in faith and live faithfully for you. Amen.
About the author — Ben McKnight
Ben McKnight was born and raised in the West Michigan area. He has been married to Kayla for 14 years and has been a dad to Leo for almost five years. After graduating from Calvin Theological Seminary in 2017, he served as a pastor in Grant, Michigan, until spring 2021. He then served as a chaplain for a year at a local retirement community, and then with ReFrame Ministries’ advancement team. In spring 2024 he transitioned and began serving as the pastor of a church in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
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