Here is the revelation that is shaping my life today – we are not the teachers of each other, when we do we replace Heavens’ sent teacher – Holy Spirit.
John 14:15-17,26-27 NLT
[15] “If you love me, obey my commandments. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. [17] He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. 26] But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative-that is, the Holy Spirit-he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. [27] “I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Observation
The Holy Spirit is the teacher, the one who leads us “into all truth…he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything.” Could it be that we have replaced Holy Spirit too often with preachers and teachers of our own? Is it clear to all who follow Jesus that their teacher and reminder of all things pertaining to Kingdom life is the Holy Spirit? I fear the answer is no! I am disappointed that too often we have focused people’s attention on the words crafted by humans, be they true and right, without the focus being on Holy Spirit to teach the individual. It is not that there is not a place for preachers but not at the expense of Holy Spirit. A preacher brings a generic word, it’s Holy Spirit that knows the heart and mind of all who receive the word and brings the intimacy of personal tutoring to the application of the word brought. If people are not trained to listen and make space for their real teacher they will default to the way of the word and try and apply themselves to what they have heard, or walk away disappointed and frustrated, even disqualified.
The Holy Spirit is the “gift of peace of mind and heart,” that the world so desperately needs these days. It’s not a peace of the world but a supernatural peace of mind and heart that comes when Holy Spirit teaches and reminds you of everything that Jesus showed and revealed. Teachers can’t bring this peace with the eloquence of their words no matter how powerful their teaching gift may be. This peace is supernatural, as Holy Spirit interprets to the mind and heart supernaturally the life-giving truths of the Kingdom. Jesus leaves but another comes to advocate Kingdom life in His place, and when you receive the advocacy of Holy Spirit then peace flows.
Application
I will not become a preacher who takes center stage, I will not listen solely to man’s advocacy, I will ensure that the teacher sent from Heaven will guide and direct my life. I will live in the ensuing peace that His teaching and presence bring to my heart and mind. I will always point to, I will always seek out, the advocate sent by Jesus.
Response
Thank you that I don’t have to rely on human interpretations of your ways and life, but I can rely on you. Thank you that you never leave or forsake me, but you journey with, guide, teach me, you are my peace and advocate.
Meditation
Meditation truth – “the Holy Spirit-he will teach you everything.”
Consider:
How often do you rely on the teachings of others and not allow space for the advocate to personally apply and guide you?
JOURNEY DEEPER
