“7Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” – John 16:7 (ESV)
Jesus was speaking to the fact that He would be leaving this world. He would be going back to be with God. If you just read the last sentence, it would seem that He was abandoning this world and returning to heaven and allowing us to just exist. But you cannot just take my sentence and stop there.
The why He was leaving is of great importance and the actions He took upon leaving are as well. Jesus was leaving because His work was done. He had laid the groundwork and prepared those that would take up the work. He was in charge and developed others to take over when He would leave, and they were ready. I remember reading about Jesus’ development of the disciples in the book by Laurie Beth Jones – “Jesus CEO – Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership”. Here is what she wrote in the chapter titled “He Gave Them Authority”: “Jesus gave his staffers the authority to act in his name even before they seemed ready for it.” Jesus developed His team to do the work without Him.
Jesus knew they could do it. He had readied them for the work. But, as He was leaving, He let them know that He would be sending the “Helper” along to guide them and provide backing for their continuing of the work. He would be headed home, but would not leave them in a lurch. He had prepared them, and now as he leaves, He would be sending them help. The Holy Spirit was not able to come until Jesus sent Him. The “Helper” was ready to be sent, and when the time was right, was able to spring into action. But until SENT, the Holy Spirit waited.
I know that the Holy Spirit is with me as I am in this world. I have to go and do the work that is tasked for me by God. I have been prepared and only need to take action. That action is to go and as I go, the Holy Spirit goes with and comes after me to be the “Helper” Jesus declared Him to be. Without Jesus going, the Holy Spirit would not have come and been able to be everywhere I am and you are and everyone is to “help” us in our work for Him.
When you are in the world what is your awareness that the Holy Spirit was sent as Jesus went? Are you thankful for and using the Holy Spirit in your daily work to accomplish the tasks you have been given by God? What if you and I used the “Helper” as intended by God as He was sent by Jesus?
Trevor's Thoughts 