Episode 113

Before going to the cross, Jesus wanted his disciples to know that they wouldn’t be left alone. The Holy Spirit would come and would have a different but profound relationship with them. I can hear the heart of Jesus in the words he spoke in the last hours with his disciples prior to his death and resurrection. He knew the Spirit of truth would come to them to guide them into all the truth. God still speaks today! In the Old Testament he spoke through the prophets. In the Gospels he spoke through Jesus. Then he sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit speaks directly into our hearts. I love how Jesus told his disciples, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But…” BUT! Jesus knew the Holy Spirit was coming soon. That’s why he could hold his tongue in those moments to keep from overwhelming them with the truth. That’s why he said BUT when the Holy Spirit comes, “He will guide you into all the truth.” God is a time-sensitive God. He lives outside the bounds of time but we don’t, and God gets that. He knows that there are times when we need to know what to expect, and there are other times when it’s best if we don’t know what’s around the bend. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide us into all the truth. We can trust the Holy Spirit’s leading because the Spirit receives from Jesus what he makes known to us. When it comes to God’s plans and activity in our lives, you and I will know what we need to know when we need to know it. Last call for women in the Fresno, California area to join me in person on Wednesday evenings for Bible study at Peoples Church beginning March 2 at 7 p.m. The Gathering, a space for women to gather, connect, and experience Jesus is a free and fun event for women this Friday night. I’ll be sharing from my book Longing to Belong. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com. This week's scripture: John 16:12-15