John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15 (NRSV)
Read John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 26"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. Verse 27You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. Verse 4But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. "I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. Verse 5But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' Verse 6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.
Verse 7Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. Verse 8And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: Verse 9about sin, because they do not believe in me; Verse 10about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; Verse 11about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. Verse 12"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. Verse 13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. Verse 14He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. Verse 15All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Devotion
This Sunday our congregation will recognize its graduates. We’ll say a blessing for them and their families. One senior and her dad will share their views on what comes next. We’ll celebrate this milestone and pray for God’s continued guidance as the grads head into the future.
The Holy Spirit has been at work in these students. How? By guiding their parents, giving them patience and courage and a sense of humor. By nudging them to use their gifts to make a difference in the world. By helping them make good decisions as they’ve negotiated the hazards of adolescence. By surrounding them with teachers, coaches, neighbors and godparents who have cared for them, prayed for them and cheered them on.
The Spirit has brought these graduates this far. That’s something getting a diploma won’t change. As these grads continue life’s journey, the Spirit will be right there with them. Isn’t it the same for us?
Prayer
Merciful Lord, watch over this year’s graduates. Keep them close to you. Lead them into a future filled with hope. Amen.