The Holy Spirit will help you understand challenging passages in the Bible and make God’s Word clear. Read his Word to lead you into truth.
I’m Joni and do you recall what it’s like to cram for an exam?
Especially a “now or never” exam, right? How about an exam on the Bible? Unless you’re a seminary student, you probably might not feel real prepared. But suppose you were thrust into such a situation? Suppose everything depended – your entire future as a Christian – it depended on that exam? You’d panic, right? I know you would. Well, that’s no doubt how the disciples felt the evening they were with Jesus at the Last Supper. Because up until the end of the evening, you know, everything was warm and personal – there was even that touching moment when Jesus washed their feet. But the mood shifted when Jesus spoke those strange words to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” Then Judas left and from that point on, the tone of the evening changed. It was as if the Lord realized he had pressing things to say and only a short time in which to say them.
He spoke about vines and branches, peace and persecution. He taught them about unity and prayer and their father in heaven. There was so much packed into those few hours! And I’m sure the disciples were a little bewildered; how could they, how would they, remember all these important things? Well, Jesus must’ve understood their dismay. But the Lord also knew that everything he taught them that night would become clear. And it’s why, right there, he promised them the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would be their teacher and guide. Jesus says in John 16, “I still have much to tell you,” [like, what? The disciples must’ve thought; I mean, there’s more?]. And Jesus says, “I have much to tell you but you cannot bear to hear it. However, when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and he will declare to you what is to come.” Right there, Jesus was making a wonderful promise: God would make everything known to them in due time, everything that they needed to understand; everything that would guide them into the unknown future.
And we are not any different from the disciples. I mean, just study one book of the Bible, let’s say the book of Romans, and it’s like God is pouring million-gallon truths into your one-ounce brain! How can you take it all in? Well, remember the promise that Jesus made to his disciples. The Holy Spirit will help you to understand. Yes, even some of the more challenging passages in Romans. Whatever, the spirit will make things in God’s word clear. And this is exactly why when we read God’s word, we need to always first ask the Spirit to guide us. To lead us into all truth. To open our ears and show us what the Lord is saying in the pages of his Word.
Oh, friend, this is just one story leading up to the events of Easter week, and there’s still so much to say. And it’s why I want to give you a wonderful pamphlet called The Easter Story. I have read it, and it is a fantastic step-by-step of exactly what happened chronologically those few days before the cross. I’m offering it to you early because I believe it would be a great way to tell a neighbor or friend exactly why Christ went to the cross; why we celebrate Easter. Again, it’s called The Easter Story, and you can get your free copy at joniradio.org. Don’t miss out and please, don’t miss telling people about this special season and what it means to know Jesus. So, ask for your gift at joniradio.org and we will get it to you in time for you to give to your friend, relative, or neighbor on Easter week. Again, that’s joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends