The Comforter

We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at Easter and otherwise; let us also celebrate Pentecost daily!

Pentecost is recognized as the time when the Holy Spirit came upon the church as they waited and prayed expectantly, according to the instructions given to them by Christ before His ascension. Jesus had told them:

"And behold, I am sending for the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8

Jesus often referred to the Holy Spirit as the "Paraclete," a Greek word that we have interpreted as "the Comforter." A Paraclete was someone who went into the courtroom with a person and gave counsel, cheer, and advocacy. The Paraclete advised a person what to say, helped him or her think clearly and encouraged the person to carry on.

In James G.K. McClure's book, Intercessory Prayer: A Mighty Means of Usefulness, we are challenged to revival. The book was first printed in 1902 to encourage Christians to pray. In 1904, a spiritual awakening swept across our nation and around the world. McClure wrote:

"Prayer for the Holy Spirit is offered when Christians are determined to do the will of God. Where formal religious life prevails and where a sense of responsibility concerning the spiritual welfare of others is weak, prayer is offered less frequently and less fervently. Self-centered people and self-satisfied churches give the Holy Spirit a small place in their prayer petitions...."

"No one can have the Comforter's power if they wish Him as a sedative. People who ask to receive the Spirit for these purposes, have no idea of the Comforter's particular function in the kingdom of grace -- or the nature of His mission. Unless a person wishes to serve Jesus Christ in the lives of others, they will not profit by His presence...."

"Prayer for the Comforter is a searching prayer. It is a prayer that empowers the church to break loose from listlessness and hindrances, to become a mighty giant to pull down sin's strongholds."

As we think about Pentecost, let us look for revival and pray -- LORD, FILL ME, MY CITY, AND MY NATION WITH YOUR HOLY SPIRIT! COME!