His Desire

“While the idea of being in the physical presence of Jesus is overwhelming, the Holy Spirit which embodies all the power and glory of God the Father and Jesus Himself is declared yours and dwells within you.”

“Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7 CSB

Can you imagine what it must have been like, living in the time when Jesus was physically here on earth? Given the choice, I think most of us would love to have had the chance to sit at the actual feet of Jesus, see His ministry, hear His teachings, feel the touch of His hand. Even just the thought of those physical experiences with Jesus can be overwhelming. The disciples themselves were just ordinary people until they physically encountered Him, the long awaited Messiah, and their whole lives changed.

When Jesus spoke the words in this verse, He knew the time had come, and He only had a limited time left to teach the disciples everything they needed to know, and I can only imagine how the disciples must have felt. Jesus already told them He will be leaving, saying “where I am going, you cannot come.” (John 13:33) He already told them, “I am the way the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Jesus already told them, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” (John 15:5), “Peace I leave with you” (John 14:7), and “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

This news had to be hard to take, and scripture tells us that the twelve, they were distraught. If it were me, I’d be thinking “No, please! You have to stay! We have so much still to do! We can’t do with without You!” Because living in the physical presence of Jesus was all they had known since the moment He called their name, and their desire was to remain in his physical presence.

Amidst their devastation, Jesus explains that he will provide a helper, a counselor, and in this verse He even claims it will be to their benefit. In that moment of grief and sadness, I’m sure it was difficult to see all that the Father had planned and desired for us.

Thankfully, we know that following the crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples did receive the Counselor Jesus had promised them. The Holy Spirit descended upon them, fulfilling the promise Jesus declared in John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth, the world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you.”

His desire was to remain with His people, beyond the physical limitations of this world. Sweet friend, that same promise holds true for us, 2000 years later, and He desires to be with you for eternity.

While the idea of being in the physical presence of Jesus is overwhelming, the Holy Spirit which embodies all the power and glory of God the Father and Jesus Himself is declared yours and dwells within you.

When the regular struggles of day to day life leave you tired and lifeless, remember that He who spoke life into existence, is present in each breath you take.

If loss and pain take a stronghold over your heart, remember that the Prince of Peace reigns sovereign over your life, providing comfort for your weary soul.

When the enemy chases after you, filling your mind with lies and deceit, remember that He who crushed the enemy’s head and defeated death, has already won the battle in your honor.

So join with me momma, and let’s thank God for providing us not only with Jesus, our Savior who came to make all things new, but also for the Holy Spirit, that we may feel the power of His presence and His desire to move in our daily lives.

Holy Trinity,

You know our hearts, You see our praise, and You hear our prayers. Thank You for Your perfect plan to provide for our every need. We ask You to remind us of the power that dwells within us and help us to respond in obedience when the Holy Spirit calls upon us for action. We love You and give You all the glory. Amen

Action Steps:

Take a few minutes and read John 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or maybe all 4. I promise it’s a quick read with so many bold truths that Jesus wants you to know.
Worship Him and listen to “Fresh Wind” by Hillsong Worship, or “Come Rest on Us” by Maverick City Music. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew his purpose in you.

Written by Kelsey, Spirit-filled mom of 2