I want you to know and realize that John’s gospel follows the classic form of a farewell “address”…or a farewell “speech.”
In it, Jesus addresses those who will be his survivors, those who will succeed him. “They” who will carry on…
He is talking to his disciples. The immediate group. That is the context. We are still on Maundy Thursday evening…mere minutes and hours away from the betrayal.
So, he gives to them instructions for their future behavior.
He attempts to comfort them for the days, weeks and years that are yet to come.
He expresses his desire to help them through the immediate future events.
This is a classic format.
It is what was expected of a great teacher at the time, and Jesus does not let them down.
It was during this farewell address that Jesus tells his disciples that God will give them “an advocate.” …Someone to be with them forever.
So of course, me being me…I had to find “something out” about “the word” – “advocate.”
I found out the word comes to us from the Latin, the French and the Middle English.
It obviously has a history.
Originally it meant to “call,” today, we say, that an advocate is someone called alongside of…
An advocate is therefore – someone to help you “champion a cause.” They are an “upholder” or a “supporter.” …Someone to stand by your side…someone to stand with you…
Someone who “promotes” or “backs you up,” a “spokesperson”…if you will…
A “campaigner” is a kind of advocate.
They are a “fighter or a crusader”…a “booster.” A “flag-bearer” would be another synonym.
An “apostle” or an “apologist” is also one who “advocates” a cause.
Jesus further refers to this “advocate” as being “the spirit of truth!”
This “Spirit of Truth” is called to be with us – so we do not forget…so that we remember, to aid and guide us so that we are not being deceived, led astray, or scammed. The Spirit of Truth is meant to help us see – “WHAT TRULY IS!”
It is also meant to keep us away from that which is dangerous or even harmful.
The advocate guides…
God’s intention is that we be taken care of, that we not be left alone, that we not be abandoned or orphaned and that we have resources available to us…
We have a spirit to call on…
A Spirit to guide us…
A Spirit to advocate for us and with us…
And a Spirit to stand alongside of us…
The keyword here – being “FOREVER.”
Where ever you are.
Whatever circumstances you find yourself to be in.
You have an “advocate!” Always present. Always nearby.
Jesus has seen to it. He has asked God to send this “Spirit of Truth” to you.
It is the original wireless network! There are no “busy signals.” No “dropped calls.” No “answering machines.” No “office hours.” No “weak signals.” No “voice mail.” No annoying “press one for English.” “Press two for Espanola.”
God will be present with you in the big things, in the tough moments, in the tough decisions. In the tough times…
And just so you know – there is no problem too small for God. It is not just in the huge-big-overwhelming issues of our life that God is present with us…
He is also equally present in the millions of little (seemingly unimportant) issues that are so vitally important to us, and for us. Nothing, “no – thing” is too insignificant for our God.
It is important for us to be “listening for God.” Because God often speaks to us through “others.” We need to hear what they have to say. We need to be quiet and listen. We need to drop our defenses. “Patiently,” yep, I said, “patiently” listening for God’s direction and guidance is and always has been so very important!
The whole thing is based on a loving and trusting relationship with your God. Jesus’ first words, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
It is all built on a loving-trusting-caring- mutual relationship.
And all of it – is based on love. The very reason that God sent Jesus in the first place!
Amen.