The gift of the Spirit

"I will make the request to the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth that the world can not receive ..." John 14. 16

"As the day of Pentecost was fulfilled ... there came suddenly a sound from heaven, as from a violent and impetuous breath that filled the whole house ... then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit ..." 2. 1- 4

This promise is given by Jesus himself when he announces his departure (John 13-17). To his anxious disciples, he announces : "I will not leave you orphans," "it is to your advantage that I go away ... if I leave, I will send it to you" ; or again : "He will lead you into all the truth" (John 14. 18, 16. 7, 13).

The announcement of his death and his departure greatly troubled the disciples. They live the hours of the cross without understanding its meaning. The two disciples of Emmaus return home expressing their disappointment : "We hoped that he was the one who must deliver Israel" (Luke 24. 21). They really need to be comforted (= encouraged) and driven in the truth !

This promise of Jesus is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, the happy feast of the harvest.

The event announced in the second verse of the day, on the other hand, recalls what is said of the creation of man : "The LORD God made the man dust of the ground, and breathed in his nostrils a breath of life ..." (Gen 2. 7). This first breath gave life to the body ; the second breath, the breath of the Spirit, nourishes the spiritual life, it allows a close relationship and a rich communication between God and man, or rather between the Father and his child.

This Spirit given at Pentecost immediately fulfills its role. The disciples and Jews who came to the festival "were all stupefied and bewildered" at this event (Acts 2:12, 13). Pushed by the Spirit, Peter reveals the mystery of the death of Jesus and affirms, before all, his resurrection.

Three times Paul specifies : "the Spirit dwells in you" (Rom 8: 9-11, 1 Corinthians 3: 16); other verses confirm that the Holy Spirit is given (1 Thes, 4. 8, 1 John 3, 24). Is it still necessary to beg God to send us his Spirit ? No, thank God for giving it to us and be careful not to sadden Him (Eph 4:30). We will then be "filled" (Eph 5:18).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)