A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (July 5, 2018)
But 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, NASB)
Have you ever thought that Jesus may have had some doubts about the twelve guys He chose to mentor and train? Have you ever thought that these guys may have presented Jesus with a dilemma?
I know, we look at Jesus as the Son of God that has perfect faith with no doubting but just remember this. Jesus was also the Son of Man who was tempted in all ways just like us. He had to go through the same range of emotions, doubts, and temptations as we do but do it without sin so He could become a perfect sacrifice for all of us.
Now, just think about this. If you were Jesus, how would you feel about this group of guys you chose to be your disciples? Judas turned out to be a traitor. James and John wanted preferential treatment to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in Heaven. Some wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan group that did not worship and accept Jeusu the way they did. Every time they got into a storm they lost their faith and started accusing Jesus of not caring. Peter denied Jesus three times. Most of them were nowhere to be found when they crucified Jesus. They did not even believe Mary Magdalene when she came and told them Jesus had risen from the grave. Jesus had to later rebuke them for that unbelief when He appeared to them just before He gave them the Great Commission.
I ask you. If you were Jesus, what would you be thinking about this group? In the natural, I would be thinking that this group will never make it without some major help. They just do not possess enough power within themselves to walk this thing out. This group is going to need a miracle if they are going to be the ones who will turn the world upside down for the Gospel!
Of course, we’re not Jesus. We probably would have thrown our hands up and given up on these guys, but Jesus had the solution. He knew that none of His disciples had enough power to overcome all that they would face in this world. He knew they needed help, and He knows we need help. It had already been heralded and preached by John the Baptist that he (John) would baptize in water but Jesus would baptize His disciples in the Holy Ghost and fire. They just did not understand when and how this was going to take place. Many today still don’t understand. This was the solution and still is the solution today. This was the help that they needed to overcome the world.
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:4-8)
This was the miracle that they needed. This was the power that they needed and it’s still the miracle and power we need today. These same disciples that doubted, questioned, denied, and hid in fear, walked out of that Upper Room different men. Peter was not the same person. He now had a helper and the first time he opened his mouth over three thousand men got saved (Acts 2:41). He now had some help!!! That same help is available to all of us today!!!
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; (John 14:16, NASB)
