SUNDAY April 30, 2023

The Comfort of the Holy Spirit

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Acts 9:31

When Saul came against the churches, there was unrest, persecution, and warfare; but the moment Saul was saved, the churches had peace. Believers were edified––built up in Christ. As Christ’s disciples walked in the fear of the Lord, in awe of who He is, God began to add to the churches––the churches grew and multiplied.

Notice that the churches had the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Did you know that the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter? The word in the Greek language is parakletos. Listen to the conversation between Jesus and His disciples before He went to the Cross. They knew He was going to leave them, and they were distraught and bewildered. Jesus, as their Master, knowing they did not fully understand, reassured them of His return:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).

Troubled, Thomas said: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus gave them an uplifting promise: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever...” (John 14:16 KJV). Jesus continued to comfort their troubled hearts by saying: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18 KJV).

Jesus explained the Holy Spirit’s function: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26 KJV). His words would be always remembered, and His presence would never leave them.

Are you troubled? Ask the Comforter to comfort you today.

God is our portion, Christ our companion, the Spirit our Comforter, Earth our lodge, and Heaven is our home.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!