My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely. - 1 John 2:1

Jesus had encouraged his disciples to look forward to the Holy Spirit’s coming. Even though Jesus was leaving them, he promised to send them “another Counselor” (John 14:16).

The root meaning of the word counselor is “one that is called alongside to help.” The element of comfort is an important aspect of the Holy Spirit’s work, and Jesus used the picture of comforting the desolate as 
one comforts an orphan. But the word counselor also has the idea of an advocate. An advocate is one who is called to one’s side to help against an accuser or judge. He is the client’s representative who pleads his case and defends his reputation, guarding and administrating his property.

Jesus Christ is our Advocate with God: “There is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely” (1 John 2:1). The Holy Spirit holds the spotlight on Jesus Christ, showing us Jesus’ worth and enlightening our heart and mind to understand his work. When I was a young person without any Christian influence, unchurched, and ignorant of the facts of the gospel message, there were times when I was conscious of my need of God. When alerted to Christ as the answer, I was thoroughly ready to receive him. The Holy Spirit put Christ—my advocate and friend—in the spotlight so I could see him clearly.

With Christ as our counselor and Advocate, let us give ourselves unreservedly to him and to his work. That way many will see and follow him.

For Further Study: Hebrews 11:1-12

Excerpted from The One Year Devotions for Women, Copyright ©2000 by Jill Briscoe. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

For more from Jill Briscoe, please visit TellingtheTruth.org.

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