A few weeks ago we talked about the Holy Spirit, and I already discussed verses 26-27. I think it would be good to read it again, now that we are reading it in context.
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.”
Jesus wants to assure the disciples that though they might face difficulties, they are not alone. He will leave them, but he will send the Holy Spirit to be with them. As the Spirit testifies about Jesus, so the disciples will also. Testifiers are storytellers. You and I are testifiers, storytellers. Tell the stories about Jesus’ good news. Tell the stories about God’s faithfulness in your life. Tell the stories about the work of the Holy Spirit.
Remember that when we tell our stories about the work of the Spirit, our life choices, our actions are telling a story all their own. If our actions and our stories are not in line, we will have discredited ourselves, and people are right to not believe us. Michelle tells stories of serving people at a restaurant who pray before their meal, but are very fussy and particular, extremely difficult to serve. People who leave a gospel tract with their tip, but it’s not a great tip. Good news, if not matched up with Jesus’ way actions, is not going to sound like good news.
We evangelicals would do well to recover that which is embedded in our name. Did you know that the word “evangelical” means “to proclaim good news”? Tell good news stories. Invite people with tales of the amazing work of God. Know that the story-telling Spirit is with you, in you. You are not alone.
Photo by Maegan Martin on Unsplash
Engaging Scripture 