John 16:12-15 (NRSV)
Read John 16:12-15 on biblegateway.com
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
A friend of mine recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. For weeks in advance, he worked hard to make sure he was ready for the challenge. He scouted out the proper gear, hiked up and down the steepest hills he could find and broke in a new pair of boots. But the most important thing he needed for the trek met him at the foot of the mountain: his guide. It was the guide's job to set the pace and point out a navigable path. He made sure the food was prepared and there was enough safe water to drink. He offered words of encouragement and showed them the way.
Jesus promises the disciples that the Spirit will come to be their guide. They can't make life's difficult passage on their own. They need to depend on one who will give them encouragement and wisdom to face the challenges ahead. Jesus calls them to trust that Spirit with their very lives and to follow it closely.
Who is guiding your path today? Follow that guide closely. Your life depends on it.
Prayer
Spirit of truth, be my guide today. Show me the path you have laid out for me. Help me to trust you. Lead me to walk in Jesus' footsteps. Amen.