John 14:15-21 (NRSV)
Read John 14:15-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Verse 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. Verse 17This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
Verse 18"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. Verse 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. Verse 20On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Verse 21They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."
Devotion
Debi ran in the 2013 New York Marathon. She trained faithfully for months before the big day. Along with her girlfriend, Debi flew to New York. They were nervous. They wondered if they had the stamina to finish the grueling course. As they sat in their hotel room the night before the race they remembered what a friend told them: print your name on the sign that hangs around your neck. That is what they did.
The excitement of the race spurred them on. However, challenges slowed them down: wind, the incline of the hills, too many clothes and all those miles. What kept Debi going right up the end? It was strangers along the way shouting, "You're looking great Debi!" "You can do it!" "Debi, it's not much farther!"
Jesus said he would not leave his followers to flounder. He would send the paraclete, God's Spirit. Some have translated this wonderful gift as helper, comforter, and encourager. Could we even say cheerleader? Church work can be discouraging. We are never done; and for some it is never good enough. Thank God for those who shout encouragement along the way, and for the Advocate who runs with us all the way to the end!
Who should we be cheering for today?
Prayer
Encouraging Spirit, blow upon our tired and cynical hearts. Refresh us with your promises. Keep us moving with you to the end. Amen.