“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah declared this as the result of the coming of the Messiah who would be called, amongst other things, “Wonderful Counsellor”. When Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, he referred to him as another counsellor (or advocate). In other words, Jesus is the divine Counsellor prophesied by Isaiah and the Holy Spirit continues and extends Jesus’ counselling ministry. Jesus was explaining that he would not just be with his people, but would dwell within them by the Holy Spirit (referred to also as the Spirit of Christ in Romans 8:9). Jesus is the word that lights the way (Psalm 119:105): “I am the light of the world” he declares, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). When the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts, he turns the lights on within us. We begin to see and know the truth; not just the truth about him but also about ourselves. Jesus also said of the Holy Spirit that “when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin”. To receive the Holy Spirit, therefore, you need to be willing to see and relinquish the sinful desires that lie in the deep dark places of the heart. “The Spirit who gives life” says Paul, “has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). Let the Spirit of Christ turn the lights on in your heart so you can walk in the light and THRIVE.
Ask God to search your heart and set you free.
Read Psalm 19 and John 14:15-27.
