The Holy Spirit (John 15:26-27)

Today's scripture: John 15:26-27

So many mysteries are inherent in the Christian faith, so many things we just can't fully comprehend. One of these is what we call the trinity: one God in three persons. It's a stumbling block to unbelievers and a concept we believers can't completely understand. Yet, while the Bible doesn't use the word "trinity" or "triune," verses like today's make it clear.

Jesus speaks of the "Helper," who is the "Spirit of truth." He also speaks of the Father. Finally, He speaks about Himself, God the Son who took on flesh. Three Persons. One God.

Each Person of the trinity functions differently, and we are blessed by each. The Holy Spirit blesses us by being our "Helper." He resides in us to help us in so many ways, and I, for one, am so very grateful. I certainly need help! In so many ways. The Holy Spirit gives us so much.

We can be confident that the Spirit will teach us what we need to know about following Christ (John 14:26). He prays for us when we can't find the words (Romans 8:26). He dwells in us; we are never alone (Romans 8:11). He gives us life (2 Corinthians 3:6). He gives us access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). He will testify about Jesus (see today's verses). He comforts us (Acts 9:31). He manifests spiritual gifts in us (1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 11). He gives us freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). He helps us keep from doing the "works of the flesh" and manifests in us His fruit (Galatians 5:16-23).

What an amazing blessing the Holy Spirit is to me! I read these attributes of this Person of the trinity, and I am so very grateful.

Such a mystery ... such a gift.

The Trinity (John 6:60-65)

Today's scripture: John 6:60-65

One of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith is the trinity. One God in three Persons. We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The best explanation I've heard is comparing the trinity to H₂O. It can be liquid, frozen, or steam. It functions differently, but its molecular makeup is still the same.

So, even though each Person of the trinity "functions" differently, they are all the same God.

The Father is on His throne. He is Creator, Sovereign. The Son is seated at the Father's right hand. He came to earth to take on flesh and to pay the penalty for our sins. The Spirit indwells all true believers and encourages and convicts us.

Even though the word "trinity" doesn't appear in the Bible, illustrations of this mystery abound. Today's verses offer such illustrations.

Jesus, God the Son, is speaking. He talks of the Spirit, making it clear that this is the part of the triune God who brings life—eternal life (v. 63). He talks of the Father, stating that only those that have been "granted" access to Jesus will come to the Son. In that same sentence, He talks about Himself (v. 65).

I often pray to each "Person" of the trinity. I worship the Father for His grace and mercy. I praise the Son for His redemption and daily strength. I thank the Spirit for moments of encouragement and needed conviction.

I may not fully understand how God works in each of His "Persons." I do feel tremendous gratitude, however, that I can be confident that the triune God loves me unconditionally, that He is in me to guide and direct my paths, and that I am assured of eternity with Him.

If this concept is holding you back from faith, I encourage you to just pray to God. Don't try to figure out how one God in three Persons can possibly work. His ways are higher than ours because He is, in fact, God (see Isaiah 55:9). We may not always understand those ways, but we can trust in His love and grace.

The God I Know (1 Cor. 2: 6-9)

Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written,
“THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”
(1 Corinthians 2:6-9, NASB)

So much mystery surrounds faith. Indeed, “Eye has not seen and ear has not heard” the face of God or His voice. In fact, that’s one of the things skeptics struggle with: belief in an unseen God.

But those of us who truly know God have seen Him in many ways. And we have heard His voice.

I see God in the magnificent snow-covered mountains viewed from my office window. I see Him in the faces of my precious great-nephews. I see Him in the roar of the ocean. I see Him in the hummingbird fluttering just outside my window. I see Him in vibrantly-colored flowers and green grass and towering trees. I've seen Him in the pristine wilderness of Alaska and the crystal clear waters in Fiji. I see Him in the diversity of nature ... and of the people I'm blessed to know.

Or as Paul wrote, “God's eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made ...” (Romans 1:20, CEV).

And I hear God’s voice in the silence as He speaks to my heart. I hear Him through the words of the Bible. I hear Him in the prayer of a friend. I hear Him in the laughter of a child. I hear Him through the melody of a praise song or an old hymn.

Our God is not some distant being whom we cannot know. Not at all. I know my God. I know Him intimately. And I have no doubt He is with me, guiding me, carrying me, protecting me, providing for me …

Yes, there is much I don’t know. There is much I won’t know this side of heaven. But that’s as it should be. I want to serve a God who is so much greater than I could ever be.

As God Himself said through His servant, Isaiah:

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
(55:8-9, NKJV)

Although much of God remains a mystery—and rightfully so—He will reveal Himself to a truly seeking heart.

If you don’t know this God who dearly loves you, if you’re still skeptical, do this. Just say, “God, if you truly exist, reveal Yourself to me.”

And He will.