Sent to You

To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.

Open your time by reciting these words:

Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lectio (Reading)

Take a moment to read John 16:1-15 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7

Meditatio (Meditation)

In recent days, we've witnessed a subtle shift in Jesus' demeanor and focus. As the looming cross comes into view, Jesus has begun to ready His disciples for the journey ahead. He shared the sobering news of His impending departure to reunite with the Father. Understandably, this stirred great angst and confusion among His followers, particularly when Jesus conveyed that His absence was part of the divine plan. Yet, Jesus sought to reassure them. He urged them to persist in living out the life He had modeled for them, even in His physical absence. Moreover, He promised to send them a Helper and Advocate.

The assistance of the Holy Spirit isn't merely an addition to our efforts but a continuation of the life Jesus came to usher in. The Spirit dwells within us. So, while Jesus departs from this world, His departure is redeemed by the continual presence of the Holy Spirit. This means that at every moment, in every place, we have the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, alongside us; the opportunity for life in the Spirit is ever available.

In today's passage, Jesus teaches His disciples the crucial role and purpose of the Holy Spirit's arrival. First and foremost, it's vital to recognize that with Jesus' departure from the Earth, we gain an advantage. No longer will Jesus convey His instructions solely through His words and actions; instead, we will sense His presence deeply within us. This marks the fulfillment of the New Covenant, wherein we are promised that the law will be inscribed upon our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).

Take a moment to consider what you just read. Focus on the promise of the Holy Spirit's arrival. Consider the disciples' feelings of grief and confusion as Jesus speaks of His departure. How do you relate to these emotions in your own life, especially when facing uncertainties or challenges?

Contemplatio (Contemplation)

The Holy Spirit’s presence brings about a sense of conviction. However, it's crucial to understand that this conviction isn't aimed at condemning us but rather at illuminating our hearts and minds. Through it, the Holy Spirit exposes our doubts, our natural inclinations, and our desires. It's like looking into a mirror and seeing the stark difference between who we are and who we were meant to be. Jesus' departure holds a silver lining for us. It allows us to gain a deeper understanding of our weaknesses and limitations. With Jesus no longer physically present, we're given the opportunity to explore our spiritual journey more independently. The Holy Spirit, aptly named the Comforter, tenderly exposes our shortcomings, paving the way for healing and growth in our lives. It's a chance for us to confront the effects of sin with renewed strength and clarity, while opening our eyes to the depth of grace and our need to depend on Him for the transformation we hope to experience. 

Take a moment to contemplate the role of the Holy Spirit. In what ways has the Spirit convicted your heart, revealing areas of sin or guiding you toward righteousness? How has the Spirit provided comfort and assurance in moments of doubt or fear?

Actio (Action)

The Holy Spirit's role as our Advocate is profound. He doesn't just stand idly by; His mission is to unveil the areas where we've strayed off course—each of us, uniquely—especially when it comes to trusting in Him. It's like He's gently peeling back the layers of our hearts, revealing our doubts and hesitations, particularly our failure to fully lean into and trust His promises. At first glance, it’s puzzling how this process of facing our shortcomings could ever bring comfort. But here's the beautiful truth: His aim isn't to shame us or leave us feeling defeated. No, it's quite the opposite. It's a tender invitation to growth and transformation, nudging us toward becoming the vibrant, faith-filled individuals we were always intended to be. 

Without this illumination of our imperfections, we'd remain oblivious to the depth of our need for Him. It's through recognizing our flaws that we can fully embrace His grace and mercy, allowing Him to work wonders within us. So, it's imperative that we throw open the doors of our hearts wide and welcome the Holy Spirit's probing presence. Let Him search every nook and cranny, uncovering the depths of our doubts and fears. Why go through this process? Because it's in this journey of self-discovery and surrender that we find ourselves awakening to a deeper, richer faith—a faith that transcends our doubts and fears, anchoring us securely in His unchanging love.

Take a moment to dwell in God's presence, allowing His Spirit to speak to your heart. Listen attentively for any convictions or comfort the Spirit may be imparting to you. Reflect on how you can respond obediently to His leading, trusting in His guidance and finding solace in His comforting embrace.

Oratio (Prayer)

Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:

Lord, change my perspective on the word conviction. Open up my eyes to see the Holy Spirit’s conviction as gracious and loving. Give me the courage to open myself up to you. Lord, show me the depths of my sin and the areas where I do not believe.  Not because I want to feel guilty, but because I want to be made right. Amen.