the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Our Daily Homily - Volume 3
John 16:23; John 16:26—In that day.
Thrice in these closing words the Master refers to that day (see John 14:20). Without doubt He refers to the Day of Pentecost, and the era it would introduce.
The Holy Spirit reveals the relation between the Father and the Son (John 14:20).—And this not as a matter of speculation merely, but for our holy living. The model of our union with Jesus is his union with the Father. As He is in his Father in perpetual and most blessed union, so are we to be in Him.
The Holy Spirit’s presence answers our questions.—"Ye shall ask Me no question" (John 16:23, R.V., marg.). the Lord was with them, they were constantly breaking in on Him with their questions: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" "Wilt Thou at this time restore the kingdom?" "When shall these things be?" This is always the symptom of the earliest stage of the religious life-perpetual questioning and worrying. But when the Spirit comes, his presence is the sufficient answer. He does not teach our intellects to know the truth, but gives the truth to our hearts. We need not question, because we see; we possess; we can taste and handle for ourselves.
The Holy Spirit’s indwelling teaches us how to pray.—"In that day, ye shall ask in my name" (John 16:26). To pray in Christ’s name is to let his nature pray in and through our lips. Of course such prayer prevails. The one condition of successful prayer is to bring yourself into a line with the thoughts of God, to breathe his spirit, to be swayed by his impulses; this is only possible through the gracious operation of the Spirit of God. Has the blessed day of Pentecost broken upon you? Do you live in its light? Have you received all it was meant to bring you?
