Confusion continues to rise up from the world to defeat Truth. God is not the Author of confusion; Satan wields that sword. So, unless we have the Spirit of Truth living within us, we will find our souls wandering between Truth and confusion. Jesus speaks Truth to believers every single day; therefore, we need to hone our listening skills and spend time in God’s Word so we can understand what the Lord is speaking to our souls.
In our passage today, Jesus tells his disciples soon he will be speaking clearly to them and not using figures of speech. He will not be separated from them for very long; he will be returning to them in another form. The souls of the disciples have been wandering in confusion even while walking with Jesus. They continue to think of life in temporal terms; they think the Messiah will redeem Israel by defeating Rome and the corrupt political and religious systems. But their understanding is not based on Truth.
Jesus came to overcome sin and death, as well lead his followers into the Truth. As Jesus prepares to return to the Father, he reassures his disciples he will provide a Way for their understanding—the Spirit. They will be able to ask the Father directly for spiritual clarity, as well as everything they need to overcome the world.
Like the early disciples, we must listen to the Spirit of Truth and run the race of proclaiming the gospel of Hope to a sinful and dying creation. The Holy Spirit speaks directly and clearly; there is no confusion coming from the Spirit of God. So, when we feel a sense of confusion, we must pause, get quiet, and be open to hear and receive the Truth.
John 16:25-33 NLT
25 “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. 26 Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God [the Father]. 28 Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
29 Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. 30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”
31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the peace we can know and experience with you through the work of the Holy Spirit. We need peace in our souls, because the world is spinning deeper into confusion by the corrupting work of Satan. As your sons and daughters, help us in the Spirit to demonstrate the Truth. Believers hear your Voice and we know your Way to live in the midst of confusion. Help us guard our minds from the confusion permeating the earth, by keeping you as Lord of our whole beings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.