“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you,” (John 14:16-17, ESV).

John’s Gospel includes the extended section of Jesus’ teaching before His betrayal and arrest, found in chapters 14–17. Our Lord’s words to His disciples are intended to provide them comfort following His death, resurrection, and ascension. He promised to send them the Paraclete—a term for the Holy Spirit that is often translated Advocate, Comforter, or Helper. He assured them that they would not be left as orphans, but that the Spirit of truth would come to strengthen them as they live in a world that would hate them on account of Christ.

Jesus, therefore, promised that the Holy Spirit will come to teach them all things and to bear witness to Him as the Christ. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is fulfillment of that promise. However, that promise continues to be fulfilled today, as the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies disciples as the Word is preached and taught among us, and as the Sacraments are administered.

As we continue to live in a world of trouble, we need the help, comfort, and advocacy of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord has not left us as orphans but has kept His promise by sending the Paraclete to us in these gray and latter days.

Dear brothers and sisters, as we prepare to observe Pentecost, we give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ that He continues to fulfill His promise, as the Holy Spirit comes among us through the means of grace to keep us in the faith until our Lord comes again in glory. Therefore, we never despair. Rather, we are blessed that the Helper has come to us and will be with us forever.

Prayer - O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day, by the same Spirit, to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan