January 23
The Gift of the Spirit
The Christian's Daily Treasury"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever." — John 14:16.
WHEN our Saviour uttered these words, it was a critical and trying period for his disciples. Perilous times were approaching, dark clouds were gathering around them, but they had no just grounds for terror and dismay. Though they were soon to be deprived of his bodily presence, they would not be left comfortless; he here promises them a rich gift, it is the Spirit. Observe here
THE MANNER IN WHICH HE IS GIVEN. We may consider the Spirit
As the fruit of the Saviour's intercession. "I will pray the Father." He is our Advocate; and but for him we should know nothing either of the work or influences of the Spirit.
As the gift of the Father's love. "And he shall give you another Comforter." He is the Author of every good and perfect gift.
THE ENDS FOR WHICH HE IS BESTOWED. As a Comforter. The original word signifies also an Advocate and Instructor. Thus he is given not only to administer comfort, but to impart knowledge. Now let us consider him
As a comforter under trials. This he does by sanctifying our afflictions, by applying the promises to our particular cases, and by enabling us to cast our cares upon him. He has not promised to remove our burdens, but to sustain us under them.
As a helper in prayer. He leads us into all truth. There are three great impediments to prayer: a dark understanding, a guilty conscience, and a cold heart. The Spirit assists us, by imparting light to the mind,—conveying peace to the conscience,—and expanding the desires of our heart. Without the Spirit's influence there is neither life, power, nor efficacy in prayer. It is like a body without a soul, a firmament without a sun: incense without odor, a ship without sails, and a sacrifice without fire.
THE PERIOD FOR WHICH HE IS ENJOYED. "That he may abide with you for ever." "All earthly joys," says Burkitt, "are sudden flashes, not lasting flames." Here are everlasting consolations. The Spirit comes not as a transient visitor, but as a permanent guest.
How great is the blessing here set before us. If the Spirit is given to us, all things are ours, and we are Christ's. But "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his."