But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send Him to you. (John 16:5-7)

Read: Luke 11:14 – 12:34

Relate: One of my favorite verses has always been out of Job. In the midst of his suffering-turned-argument, he cried out, “Even now my witness is in heaven, my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears tears to God.” Even though Job is speaking of one person, there is a trinitarian appeal of the three offices being referred to. It is the witness (the Father) who sees everything and knows the truth. It is the intercessor (the Son) who holds our hand and walks with us through the trial. (And ultimately volunteers to take our punishment) It is the Advocate (the Holy Spirit) who takes up our case.

Trinitarian or not, the nuts and bolts of the issue is that Job longed for an advocate, but not just any lawyer. He wanted an advocate from on high. He wanted someone taking up his case who has never lost and could never lose. He got it. Jesus promised us the same. He promised that when He left us, He would send the Advocate in His place. That Advocate has come, and everyone who has surrendered their life to Christ has that Advocate dwelling with them. In Greek the word is Parakletos. It comes from two words: para – close beside and kaleo – to make a call. Basically, it is a legal reference for the one calling the shots on our behalf. He is our legal representation.

React: So the question is: if the Holy Spirit is an ever victorious Advocate, are we following His counsel? I recently saw Gone Girl (horrible movie) in which Nick comes to the realization that, even though he is completely innocent of the murder, he needs a really good lawyer or he’s going to face the death penalty. Within seconds of meeting the infamous Tanner Bolt, the defense lawyer is giving him marching orders. “This is what you need to do…” As situations continue to change and evolve, the lawyer continues to call the shots as to how Nick can stay ahead of the game. That is what the Holy Spirit, as an Advocate, is doing for us. But are we listening? Are we heeding His counsel? Am I?

Respond: 

God, help me to listen. Help me to heed Your leading and direction. No matter where that leading might take me, no matter how difficult of undesirable that counsel might be at times, give me the courage to follow through. I know You have my best interests at heart. I know that Your wisdom and guidance is always, always perfect. Help me to follow.