I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:12-15 (ESV)
The disciples have no idea that what they are about to experience is so cataclysmic. A new world is about to be born. It will be traumatic, confusing, and painful. But it is not just another hard time. It is the birth pangs of the new creation. Jesus has been as thorough as possible in explaining the meaning of history and his role in bringing it to a climax. But there are some things that just won't make sense until after the cross and resurrection. In addition, it will take the illuminating power of the "Helper" to cause them to see what is happening and what it means. It cannot be explained to the rational mind.
We often misunderstand biblical texts because we don't interpret them in light of the cross and resurrection. We stop short of their fullest meaning because the dynamics of the cross and resurrection are essential to hearing the word of God. So we end up with nice principles, lessons, and laws, but we miss the ultimate intention of every biblical text. Like the Pharisees in Jesus' day we search the scriptures thinking that in them we can find life, but we neglect the perspective of the Son as revealed by the Spirit.
The "Helper" Jesus promised earlier is now identified as the Spirit of truth. He comes to define and establish reality as found in God's kingdom. He is not interested in a new religion or novel interpretations of scripture. He is all about exposing the relationship Jesus has with the Father and showing believers how to access it for themselves. He takes the words Jesus spoke and reveals the life that is in them. He makes sense of all the injustice and mess-ups that occur and puts the puzzle together for the benefit of the sons of God. He shows how the Father gives everything to the Son and how the Son gives everything to his followers. He makes sonship real and unlocks the treasures contained in the inheritance.
It is no wonder the early disciples were unstoppable. They believed that they were recipients of the same fellowship enjoyed by the Father and Son. They actually believed they were living in a new world with a reality defined by the Spirit. They lived in the culture of the cosmos but they were citizens of another sphere. The Holy Spirit was more than another religious tool to be used in gaining some leverage in ministry endeavors. He was a true Comforter in confusing times and an Advocate to plead their case when the defeated powers of this age tried to usurp their authority.
We live on the "after" side of the cross when the Spirit has already been given. We have the privilege of receiving the "rest of the story" that He reveals. We cannot ignore such a great grace. We can, by faith, live in a new order and express that order in the world. It will cause confrontation and consternation, but ultimately transformation. Truth will win out over deception. The Father of lies has been stripped and exposed by Jesus on the cross. Now the sons of God the Father get to do our part in applying the truth wherever the pockets of darkness remain.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
