December 16 - Giver of the Holy Spirit

December 16 – Giver of the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15)

Jesus says in John 16:7b, “Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”

This was an incredible gift give to humanity.  “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” (Acts 1:4b)

In Revelation 5, there is a description of the Lamb who was slain.  “He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” (Revelation 5:6b)

The Holy Spirit is able to accomplish what Jesus could not and we see how that is possible in the Revelation passage.  Seven is the number that signifies completeness and in Zechariah 4:10, we see that “These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range throughout the earth.”  Jesus was limited by His humanity while He walked among us.  In sending the Holy Spirit, He was able to be omniscient … he could see and know everything!  This allows Jesus to respond to our cries and our prayers.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

As a human, Jesus also couldn’t indwell another and give them power.  But, the Holy Spirit was able to do that.  A small portion of that power was released on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2.  Paul speaks clearly of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in his letters.  This gifts come so that we can give glory to God!

And one more verse: “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me …” (John 15:26)

The Spirit comes from both the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb who was slain.  The three work in union to draw mankind to glory.