Memory Upgrade
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am weak but You are strong. Let Your great power be the source of new confidence for me today.
Read John 14:15-31
[15] “If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [18] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. [19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. [20] On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. [21] Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” [22] Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” [23] Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. [24] Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. [25] “All this I have spoken while still with you. [26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. [28] “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. [29] I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. [30] I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, [31] but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. “Come now; let us leave. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who will Christ send to intercede for us with the Father?It was relatively easy to add more memory to my computer, but trying to recall a few Norwegian phrases when I needed them was considerably more difficult! Eventually, all those hours of online learning paid off, and I appreciated the crucial role memory plays in storing and delivering knowledge. Similarly, Jesus appreciated the crucial role of memory. As he talks to his disciples about leaving, he promises to send a gift–the Holy Spirit–and describes this gift as a counselor, or helper (16). They are not going to be left stranded as orphans, but this “Spirit of truth” will be a dynamic reminder of all they have seen and heard, and will even expand their learning (20,26). They are encouraged to stand firm during the days ahead and to embrace those Spirit-provoked memories. Jesus was eager for his disciples to have peace and not be troubled (27). The comfort of the Holy Spirit is more than just a distant thumbs-up; it is a life-sustaining, heart-enriching encounter, unlike anything the world offers. Jesus knew the future and wanted the disciples to know that a “memory upgrade” was ahead!
Apply
Are you experiencing trouble or despair in your life? Remember God’s promise of peace through the Holy Spirit today.
Closing prayer
Spirit of Truth, I wait for Your instruction as I face the complexities of life.
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