Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: Conduits for His Power
Digging for Truth: Sometimes God’s promises take us completely off-guard, because they are so BIG we struggle to receive them. When we think of all the miraculous work Christ did in healing the lame, opening the eyes of the blind, restoring limbs, and casting out demons we are not surprised he could do all those things, because Christ is God in human flesh. However, Jesus told his disciples anyone who believes in him will do similar things and even greater things (John 14:12-14). Friends, take a deep breath, because that is spoken to you and me as Christ’s disciples.
Grace for the Heart: The first disciples did not sit back and say, “Well, I know Jesus said it, but he didn’t really mean it the way it sounded.” They believed in Christ’s ability to provide through the Helper and to ask for the grace to accomplish his work. The disciples watched and knew the Helper was the connection between the humanity of Jesus and the Father. The difference is Jesus was willing to continually empty himself by taking on the nature of a servant and our flesh is inclined to resist such humility (Phil 2:7).
John 14:12 NLT “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
Challenge: Jesus never claimed to have power in his humanity; he simply wanted to be a conduit for the Father’s power. The Helper made it possible for Jesus to do the works he did.
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“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
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and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come” (Luke 4:18-19).
Prayer: Lord, you teach us your gifts and call can never be withdrawn. While you walked on this earth in human flesh, Jesus, the Spirit taught you and was Your link with the Father. We want the Spirit to teach us now and be our link with you. So, help us empty ourselves and take on the nature of servants, so we can walk with you and be your hands and feet in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.