John 16:1-15, continued

We saw yesterday that the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins, and then points us to a relationship with our Savior. Today we'll see what else the Spirit does . . .

He also gives us direction. We are given a source of truth, just as our verse yesterday showed us. We have a guide for living. We have a leader in uncertain times, and a light when the path grows hard to see. He shows us the footsteps of Christ, and leads us home.

                 He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for
                 His name's sake.  (Psalm 23:3)

If we will listen, the Spirit will lead us deeper and farther into the truths that Christ wants us to live by. He takes the words of Jesus and places them into our hearts, and then helps us to apply them to our lives. He helps us to remember those words when they are sorely needed.

He also reveals Christ to us. He shows us what we need to see, and at just the right times. Have you a floodlight or spotlight on your home? Or have you seen one on a building?
What floodlights accomplish is far different from other lights, like stoplights. You need to see the stoplights, because they communicate an important message. They must be very visible. Floodlights, however, don't need to be seen. Not the light itself, anyway.  They can be placed where you don't notice them, but they shine on something that is important. You are meant to see the building or other thing that the floodlights are illuminating. They maximize the possibility that you will see that they shine on.
This is the role of the Holy Spirit, too. He is like a hidden floodlight, shining on the Savior, so that we can see Him.
And it's to our advantage that the Holy Spirit has come. Because He was fully God, but also fully human, Jesus was limited in time and space. But the Holy Spirit can be present everywhere, and He can be with everyone simultaneously. Where Jesus could concentrate His time and efforts on a few people here on earth, the Spirit will fill and indwell all who will welcome His presence.  Jesus ascended to heaven, and the Spirit is here, free to shine the light on this miracle, and to guide and direct us to Jesus.

Yes, the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, and our Helper. When we submit to Him, we will have all the help we need. We must remember, even though He is available, He does not turn us into robots. We can still be wrestling for control of our lives, and not submitting to His rightful place in our lives.

                    When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the
                     truth....  (John 16:13a)

Lord, help us to give heed to the Spirit and His guidance.