The Advocate Comes
I could think of many occasions in daily life that I would like to have had an advocate to speak on my behalf. Over my many years in corporate life, and in ministry, I have experienced numerous occasions when I have been accused of falling short, missing the mark, not doing what was ‘obviously’ required, not knowing better. Oh…if only I had an advocate on those instances to speak up on my behalf.
In John 15: 26, one of the Gospels for Pentecost, and again in John 14: 16, John refers to the Holy Spirit as ‘The Advocate’. It is only in John’s Gospel that He is referred to as such. The word used is ‘Parakletos’ (Paraclete), it is sometimes translated as ‘comforter’ or ‘counselor’ but most modern translations believe it is closer to ‘advocate’.
It is akin to the idea of a defense attorney, one who speaks on our behalf in opposition to an accuser, represented by ‘diabolos’ (devil). In John 14: 16, Jesus says ‘The Father will send the Spirit in response to the Son’s request’. Jesus had experienced many accusations and he knew as followers, we would experience the same - John 15: 20 ‘If they persecuted me, they will persecute you’.
Knowing that I have an advocate with me, especially in challenging times, is profoundly comforting. Just as a defense attorney stands by to defend and support, the Holy Spirit, as ‘The Advocate’, offers divine support and advocacy. This role is not merely symbolic but deeply personal and practical. In our moments of doubt, failure, and accusation, the Holy Spirit intercedes, providing not only comfort but also the strength and clarity to navigate our trials.
This divine advocacy assures us that we are not alone; we have a powerful ally who understands our struggles and pleads our case before the Father. It reminds us that, despite the trials we face, we have an unyielding support system in the spiritual realm, advocating for our justice and righteousness.
Looking back over the years I can see, that on many occasions, I did have the Holy Spirit as my advocate. I reflect on times in my life of trial, despair, doubt, financial difficulties and of deep personal loss. Times when I did not have the strength to go it alone, the Holy Spirit never abandoned me, but continued to speak up and plead my case for divine intervention.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, probably you are going through such a period in your own life in these times. Probably you are being persecuted. I can assure you, both from the words of Jesus Christ and from my own life experiences, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is within you, working on your behalf, representing you, advising you, pleading your case, defending you and supporting you against the persecutor. Have faith, I am praying for you.
If you would like me to pray for a specific issue in your life Direct Message me on this site or send me an email at this LINK
NOTICE BOARD
This week at the milestone of Pentecost I start working on the application of Spiritual Principles to the World of Work. I will be developing and launching a Leadership at Work Membership program. In the meantime I urge you to visit my website, at the link below, to grow your Spirituality since you will be applying these principles to the world of work.
Good Day Andre. Making Christian Meditation a pillar of 'Leadership at Work' is a wonderful and very important suggestion. Let us collaborate on it.
You are very prolific deacon. I would love to hear more about this leadership at work series that you’re writing. As you know, one of my interest is to introduce and start meditation groups in a corporate environment. I feel there might be common grounds especially when rooted in Christian principles