May 7 Eternal Helper

John 14:15-17 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever.
  
HERE is a third promise (Please see John 14:12-14 from previous three lessons.). It is another wonderful comfort Jesus lovingly gives to his disciples as he prepares to leave them. A new chapter in the disciples’ lives and God’s kingdom is about to begin. They need to know God’s story will continue.
   Jesus’ teaching has ended. Unknown to the disciples, they are about to witness their Master die a horrible death. Profound doubt and stifling fear will crush the disciples’ spirits. Surely, they will wonder how the Miracle Worker could allow this to happen. Jesus’ friends will, “What happened to his kingdom promises?”
   Jesus urgently and lovingly prepares them with promises of mission, strength and support. In summary, the Lord has promised, “You’ll do much more than I have done. Evangelize, and you will lead people to faith in me. Pray, and I will give you what you need. You will never be alone. My Helper to support and empower you in all I command you to do.”
   Remember, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have anointed the disciples to citizenship in heaven. The Lord promises his disciples this is forever. The disciples’ eternal life began the day Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me.” For some three years they have walked with him on earth in his presence. He has prepared them to walk for him throughout the earth in his physical absence. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, will come from Jesus to do the Father’s will until the day the Father calls them home to be with Jesus again.
   Has Jesus said to you through the Helper, “Come follow me”? If so, rejoice and know the Lord God has anointed you to eternal life. A citizen of heaven, you can believe and trust the Holy Spirit is constantly with you to Help you faithfully seek the Lord’s will. Understand deep in your soul, “Jesus is risen. He is ascended. He will come again.” Believe in your heart you are his forever.
   When you do believe, fear, doubt, and loneliness will disappear. Faith will grow. Love will strengthen your footsteps. The Helper will help you tell the world, “Jesus saves.”  
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your loving promises. I love you. I love being your disciple. You are my joy and my peace. In your name, I live my life to help people know the power of your resurrection. Amen.