Guided by the Spirit

 John 14:23-29

Acts 16: 9-15

 We hear again in our John passage about Jesus promising the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in Christ’s name. Here the Spirit is referred to as the Advocate that will teach you all things and remind you of Jesus teachings.

 In the book of Acts the Spirit is active in directing the apostles. Paul is directed in our passage through a vision to go to Macedonia. There they find the businesswoman, Lydia, who is said to be a worshiper of God. Paul in his preaching shares the good news of Jesus Christ and this God worshipper is receptive to believing in Christ, another part of the Trinity. She is baptized and asks him, if she is found faithful to the Lord, to stay at her house. So, Paul has a strong convert who will have a home church to reach others in Macedonia. All this happened since Paul was receptive to the Spirit. He shared the word of the Lord with Lydia and all he preached to in Macedonia.

 Jesus again in John talks about love, but this time love for himself and the Father and how to show it. Those who love Jesus will keep his words. He goes on to say that these words come from the Father. By keeping his words – the Father’s and Jesus’ – the “we” in this verse will make their home with us – this is done through the Holy Spirit.

 The disciples are troubled about Christ leaving them – so he assures them that he leaves them peace that the world cannot give. Peace that we are saved from our sins. He also assures them he will come again, but if they absolutely loved him, they would be happy – rejoice – that he will be with the Father again, because the Father is greater than him. He tells them this so when it occurs, they will believe.

 Christ did rise again. He did go to the Father and then came to see the disciples. The Holy Spirit was sent to them at Pentecost and those who believed like Paul were able to be guided by the Spirit to a woman who was open to believe.

 May we show our love for Christ by keeping his word and be emboldened by the Spirit to reach out to those who need the love of Christ. Amen

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