Siblings!
What a beautiful day it is to be alive! The Son had risen, so there is hope. Plus, we also have the Gift, God’s Spirit, to keep us in hope always. Yes, it’s true. Just consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
John 14:15-16 NIV
[15] “If you love me, keep my commands.
[16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—
An If … Then Covenant
Did you also notice that there’s a conditional clause in Y’shua Jesus’ words? For those who’ve forgotten, conditional clauses are easiest recognized by the ‘if… then’ pairing. It sets terms under which something occurs. This conversation format suggests that Jesus established a covenant between Himself and His disciples. There are terms to be met by both parties in order that the covenant is in effect. I find that the if … then covenants are clear cut (easily identifiable) in the Bible.
What are the conditions Y’shua set for the covenant to be effected? Yes, you are correct. It is our (actually, the disciples’) obedience to, and love for Y’shua. In turn, Jesus assured the disciples would receive … an (other) advocate; one that would help them and be with them forever.
I noted to us that the covenant made with the disciples is also ours for the receiving.
So,
if
we love Y’shua and obey His commandments
then
the gift of the Advocate is ours.
Forever
Self-Check
So we intend to keep that covenant with Y’shua? Are we willing to love and obey Him? (Doesn’t it sound like a marriage vow?)
Application
The covenant also had a guarantee. It would be granted, not just on the authority of Y’shua. He assured the disciples that He would ask God, ‘the Father’, to gift God’s Spirit to the disciples. While they did always recognize Y’shua as being one with God, they had had a conversation earlier in which Y’shua clarified that issue, so they knew that God would come through on account of Y’shua’s word.
That was guaranteed. And it came to pass.
We know that Peter thrice declared his love for Y’shua (see John 21). Despite their denial (Peter) and desertion (all the others), their willingness to tarry as commanded was counted as fulfilment of the terms of the covenant. It is no wonder, therefore, that as promised, the Advocate, God’s Spirit of accompaniment was manifested as the disciples gathered in that room.
If … then – it’s our turn
God sent God’s Spirit to the disciples as their counsel in response to their loving obedience. If we feel we have experienced God’s Spirit in our lives, we might need to check whether we are keeping covenant.
Point to Ponder
When we recognize that we’ve also been gifted with the Advocate, what shall we do? Selah
—
May all we seek be found in Christ
