Friday, 21 July 2023

The Upper Room Discourse 21

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John 14:25-26 These things I have spoken to you while dwelling with you. But the Helper, the Ruach ha-Kodesh whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of everything that I said to you.

Isn't this fun. As we study the Upper Room Discourse, we are sharing all over again the passion Yeshua was feeling in His last hours with His disciples. These men He had loved into the Kingdom. They had come to Him from diverse and mostly worldly backgrounds. So they were very "rough around the edges," much like we were when we were newly saved.

Yeshua had to teach them how to behave in God's kingdom on earth. After all, the ways of God's kingdom are usually opposite the ways of the world. Put others first. The world teaches us to look out for number one. God's kingdom commands love of God and others before self.

Now Yeshua addresses the difference between having Him with us, and having the Helper to be sent by the Father. This Helper will also teach, but the message is the same. This is emphasized two chapters later ... John 16:12-13 I still have much more to tell you, but you cannot handle it just now. But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; but whatever He hears, He will tell you. And He will declare to you the things that are to come.

Is this something to be refused? Would you be the one to tell God, "No thanks, I don't need any more help, I got this, I can do it on my own from here?" Early in the Book of Acts, Yeshua is answering the Apostles, who are asking Him (after His resurrection) what's next? Listen to His answer. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Ruach ha-Kodesh has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and through all Judah, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. The power of Yeshua is connected to receiving the Holy Spirit (Ruach ha-Kodesh).

This is also part of the Shavuot salvation message preached by Peter in Jerusalem in Acts 2. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be immersed in the name of Messiah Yeshua for the removal of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach ha-Kodesh. And the same truth applies to us today. And what is that truth? Repent, be immersed, and receive the gift.