Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.  But if I go, I will send him to you. 

                                                                                      John 16:7 (ESV)
 
 
     I have often thought of how wonderful it must have been to walk and talk with Jesus when he was on the earth. The twelve who followed him must have enjoyed the greatest privilege ever. They could actually watch someone live life the way it was designed. They could ask any question of the one who is Eternal Truth. They could enjoy the company of one who was not afflicted by the selfish drives of humanity. They could observe him as he confronted the tough decisions regarding sustenance and survival. They could listen to him pray. They could laugh with the one who created the ironies of life. They could watch his eyes and feel his touch.

 
     But he says that the advantage goes to those who no longer have his physical presence. They have something better. What could be better?
 
     It was the coming of the Helper. The Spirit of God coming to live in the believers was the ultimate goal. Adam had walked in undefiled fellowship with God, but ever since Adam fell the fellowship had been mediated through different channels using different agents. Now, it would again be possible for men and women to enjoy constant communion with God without the blemish of guilt and shame. They would again be more conscious of God's presence than of their own nakedness. Freed from the overpowering drive to cover up and make provision, they could again get about doing what every son of God wants to do: honor the Father.

 
     Jesus had modeled it for them for several years. Now he was about to actually transfer the dynamic to them.  Because of his death and resurrection they would be made sons of God. Because they were sons they would be given the same Spirit that Jesus knew in order to make the relationship visceral. They would know--not just in theory, but also in experience--the joy of sonship.

 
     As we become sons of God by faith in Jesus Christ, we have to learn to live as sons. It is one thing to know that there is a heavenly declaration. It is another to actually live with that reality in mind. It is contrary to the way we have learned to perceive things. We have learned the "orphan" way of thinking. Still trying to find a way back into the household of God, we adopt the mindset of our culture. It is foreign to us trying to think like a son of God.  Why do we worry? Why do we cheat others? Why do we try to protect our reputations? Why do we need so much self-authentication?

 
     We have the advantage even over the twelve disciples. It is about time to take advantage of our advantage.