Thursday 15 June 2017

Psalm: Psalm 93

Background

We are deep within that famous conversation on the night ofMaundy Thursday (John 13-17). Fivechapters was a lot for the disciples to take in on that confusingnight! I suspect that Jesus may have been able to remind them ofhis words in the six weeks after his resurrection, before heascended into heaven, when there was more time to prepare them forwhat was to come. This short passage would seem especially relevantthen: waiting for the Spirit of Truth (aka the Advocate, the HolySpirit). That Spirit was given to them gently on Easter Day (John20:22-23) and powerfully at Pentecost (Acts2).

Jesus speaks here of the Holy Spirit as truly 'a person', notsimply 'his own spirit'. Although the two are certainly intimatelyrelated in Christian understanding, the Holy Spirit here is aguide, and one who will speak the thoughts and words of God to thedisciples. Once again, we can only listen in awe, as Jesus putsinto words this mysterious relationship of Father, Son and Spirit.Once again, we are invited to be part of it. The Christian life isincomplete (and the Church would not have got very far) withoutthis constant giving and sharing, this speaking and listening, thisguiding and declaring, that is part of the relationship of theTrinity into which we enter.

To Ponder

• In the life of your church, how much time do we spend waitingon the Holy Spirit before you act? Or are you so busy that there islittle time for that?

• In our personal lives, do you ever want to ask God what thefuture holds? How can faith in eternal and loving God who gives usthe Spirit help when it comes to trusting without seeing?

• How would you respond if you were involved in this intimateconversation with Jesus?