Just outside the gates of Jerusalem, my friend, Harm, told me to park the rental van while he ran into the old city to get my family. If you think Atlanta traffic is bad, you ought to drive in Jerusalem! I tried to back into the only open place I saw and of all things… I hit a car! Just remembering that moment makes me break out into a cold sweat. The driver of the car was an Arab man, who spoke no English. Of course, I was an American man who spoke no Arabic. Thinking back on it, our efforts to communicate were quite comical, but I did not laugh at the time. My only thought was, “Where is Harm?” Since he lived there, he knew the laws of Jerusalem. Harm also spoke both languages. Harm could intercede for me. How I needed my friend!
Since I am here and not in a Jerusalem prison, you know the Lord delivered me from my poor driving, but I gained a fresh understanding of the need for an advocate. I have a friend from another country who is in great need of a lawyer. He can’t defend himself. He needs someone who understands our court system and the laws of our land. He needs someone to argue his case and bring out the truth before a fair judge. He really needs a friend.
One of the words Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit is a Greek word that carries the meaning of “coming along side” in the same way an attorney helps his client in a court of law. In some versions of the Bible this word is translated “Counselor”. Jesus promised a perfect Counselor to be with those who put their trust in Him. This Counselor is the Spirit of Truth who will constantly remind us of the things Jesus says. He knows us perfectly; He also knows the Judge. Jesus promised this Helper will be with us forever. Whether we are sick, or imprisoned, or jobless, or in an accident in Jerusalem, we need not fear… a Friend is there.
“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you… All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:15-27