Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravinder, Bishop in Coimbatore.

Promise of the Holy Spirit

6th Sunday after Easter 23rd May 2020

 A brief reflection on John 14: 15-21

 

OUTLINE

The eleven disciples are now in need of encouragement, particularly in a context of the loss of Jesus. And this is exactly what Jesus provides - not only for the fearful and confused disciples but also for us - especially with reference to, and in continuation of our COVID 19 enterprise - THE VIRTUAL LIFE.

 

TWO INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

 

Firstly, the gift of God, which is promised in the scriptures, is preciously personal and profoundly intimate that the 'World' of which we are a part of, cannot receive. These promises, love... would never be seen or experienced by this 'World' - an exclusive gift only for all those who LOVE Jesus;

Secondly, only THOSE who receive the promises and the love are known as the persons who love Jesus. (John 14,-16 & 21). The person who loves Jesus is the person who loves the Word/teaching.

 

SUPERLATIVE & SUPREME ETHIC OF LIFE

 

There are four kinds of love that is found in the Bible: agape, storge, phileo and eros (greek scholars, please correct me if I am wrong). I believe that and as per the greek bible, Jesus refers to AGAPE - the divine love which shows no pride or prejudice that expects nothing and has a sacrificial component and deep commitment in it, and not selfish - but the love that gives and forgives. Sadly, we humans get and forget!

 

Jesus mentions four times that this love is of such a nature that it results in the keeping of Jesus commandments, or in general, his Word. v15: “If you love (agapate) me, you will keep my commandments.” v21: “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, is the one who loves (agapeso) me...” v23: “... anyone loves (agapa) me, will obey my teaching...” v24: “Anyone who does not love (agapon) me will not keep my teaching.” NIV

 

SLICE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

 

Love comes first (I Corinthians 13, 13... "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE") and gives rise to KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS. Abiding in His word is the result of loving him. If we love Jesus the consequence is that we will obey to His commandments. ANY ONE who loves God will keep Jesus' Word. Jesus is worthy of being loved. Love for Jesus is completely deserved. We should love the glory of God more than the glory of human beings. Human beings long for a love and crave for - to be flattered: The event and the result of loving Jesus is strikingly powerful and intrinsically empowering, comes with a BUNDLE OF OPTIMISM. When we truly love God, Jesus comes to us and is present in, us in all our trials and sufferings - which is an experience... of a slice of heaven on earth.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Hence, love Jesus. Keep his commandments to receive him and ABIDE in him. Jesus will come to us, and the Holy Spirit will come, and will protect us, provide for us and lead us - we will not be orphans: The Holy Spirit will comfort us, and love us in a very personal and intimate way that this world does not know, and they will manifest Jesus to us, and make use their home. 

The magnificent Holy Spirit, which in fact breaks down rigid thinking and entrenched positions. Amen.

Location: 256, Race Course Rd, Opp. R K Photo Centre, Race Course, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641018, India

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