Good morning:
Run through a list of all the people you know. Do you envy someone because they seem to “have it all together”? Do you wonder how they manage to have all the answers, be so sure of things, and keep all the aspects of their lives going smoothly? The truth is, no one has all the answers. In fact, Scripture warns, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Cor. 10:12).
However, the wise individual knows where to look for answers, advice, and other help. Financial planning and preparing for retirement is a baffling maze of investments, Social Security, and pension plans. But a trusted financial counselor can help unravel the intricacies and provide direction. Roller coaster emotions leave one wondering how to regain a healthy mental perspective. A capable counselor can help. How sad when someone rejects a counselor’s help and tries to make it on their own! They may well end up unnecessarily confused and burdened.
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus told His troubled disciples, “I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (Jn. 14:6). The word for “counselor” in Greek means literally, “someone called to one’s side.” The picture is of someone who is there at a moment’s notice to counsel and even to intervene in behalf of the person. That perfect Counselor is the Holy Spirit who was poured out upon the apostles on Pentecost. He counseled, encouraged, and guided them as they took the good news of a Savior from sin out to the world.
The Spirit was not just for them. He dwells within the hearts of all believers as the Helper who is always there, ready to provide everything we need for every situation in life. How sad to ignore the Spirit’s help in His Word! But too often we have done just that. How many times have you wrestled with guilt wondering how to find peace? How many questions about the Lord and His work in your life have you tried to answer on your own? Then there are the times when instead of seeking the Spirit’s direction for what we ought to do or say, we launch off on our own with disastrous results.
As we look forward to celebrating Pentecost tomorrow, let’s remember that we don’t have all the answers. In fact, when it comes to spiritual matters, all we have are wrong answers. May we take to heart the Spirit’s warning call to repent of our sin. Let us look forward to hearing His reassurance that “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Is. 1:18).
In His mercy, not only has God sent His Son as our Lord and Savior, Jesus also through the Word gives us the perfect Helper and Counselor to be with us always. Let’s listen to Him!
In Jesus’ name,
Pastor
Our summer schedule begins tomorrow: Only one service—9 a.m.
