The Promised Helper

In history, we often learn of those who played a significant role helping others: Tisquantum, a Native American also known as Squanto, was a Patuxet tribe member who was an interpreter and guide for the early Pilgrim settlers at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Thomas Watson assisted Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone. Bill Gates teamed up with his high school classmate Paul Allen to start the Microsoft Corporation.

In each case, the assistant’s help enabled the main person—or group of people—to do far more than the individual could do on his or her own. For the Pilgrims, Squanto’s help enabled them to survive a harsh first year in the New World. For Bell, Watson was a partner in experimentation. And for Gates, Allen was a fellow programmer and colleague in the development of computer operation systems and other software.

Those who believe in Christ have access to a Person and a power greater than any human assistant or mentor. God the Holy Spirit—the third member of the Godhead—was intended to live within humanity from the beginning, but Adam and Eve chose against that arrangement.

But Jesus had a promise for His followers: After returning to heaven following the resurrection, Jesus would ask the Father to provide “another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” And forever means exactly that: The Holy Spirit will live within us once we follow Christ all the way.

Jesus personally knew the Spirit’s power, for the Holy Spirit conceived Him in Mary’s womb. Christ was also baptized by the Spirit, led by the Spirit, and performed miracles through the Spirit’s power. Indeed, the Holy Spirit was with Jesus throughout His life and even in the resurrection. It’s an example of how the Holy Spirit wants to live and work with us now.

Apply It:

Read about how the Holy Spirit worked in Jesus’ life and ask the Spirit to help you in the joys and sorrows of your life.

Dig Deeper:

Matthew 1:8–21; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:2–4

Key Bible Texts

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16 KJV)