Ministry of the Spirit

Have you ever felt compelled to help someone? In my first church, I remember seeing a family pulled off on the side of the road.  They had a small fire and looked like they were trying to get something to eat.  I was late for my meeting and I didn’t stop.  At the meeting, the image of that family kept coming across my mind. On the way home that night, I had decided to stop and see if I could help them but when I got to the spot, they were gone. I learned a lesson that night.  When you see a situation that you feel like God wants you to help with, stop and help right away.

Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John14:15) This text comes from John 14-16 just hours before Jesus’ sufferings would begin at Gethsemane. Jesus announces to His disciples that He is going away (14:1-4).  He tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit will come and guide them.  Jesus used words like “helper”, “truth”, “teacher”, “witness” and “guide”. These words were intended to bring comfort and presence to the disciples when He was no longer with them.  The ministry of the spirit was to make up for the fear, fear and confusion when Christ was no longer with them.

We have just celebrated Easter and Christ is risen.  Christ is alive but He will not be with His disciples very long. Christ wanted His disciples to know that He was leaving His Spirit. His Spirit will guide and direct us, and when we listen to the spirit, we can know what Christ wants us to do.

On this week after the Resurrection, we can know that Jesus left His spirit here to direct and lead us.  When you feel like you’re being directed to do something, do it!  This is the spirit of Christ directing us to be the spirit of Christ to those in need.  The Holy Spirit motivates us to confidently do by faith what will honor God and reveal our love for Him and others. (vs. 21)

Prayer – Father thank you for sending us your Holy Spirit so that we can follow Jesus in obedience. Thank you for allowing us to know what to do and who to serve.  Amen.

John 14:15 – If you love me, keep my commands.

Author: Tommy Herndon