Wednesday 17 May 2023

May 17: John 16:12-15

Key Verse: John 16:12
I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.

Devotion:
When was the last time you had so much good news to tell someone and not enough time to say what you wanted – or maybe you were cut off before you got to the interesting part because they did not want to listen? When people start talking and they have things to say they will try to talk as much as possible even if it means they talk over someone else speaking...

Why! Well this seems to be the way we have been brought up because I can remember times when I was a small child and people would stop what they were doing to listen to others! The more society bloats peoples’ egos, the less people are going to listen and the more they will want to talk instead.

When Jesus was with the disciples they wanted to listen to what He was teaching them, but they were also stuck between listening and living in this world even at that stage. Jesus knew He had so much to teach them and knew there was not enough time to teach them everything while He was with them. So He made plans for the Holy Spirit to be with them and us after He went back to Heaven. His words here are chosen carefully to encourage the disciples to listen to the Holy Spirit.

I fear we do not do that enough in our modern lives because of all the distractions and the encouragement by others to move on and gain ground in whatever manner is current at the time. Jesus wants us to stop and listen. Take time out from our busy schedules and listen. It may be hard to do that where you are but after a short while of making time to listen, you will get to hear more from God through the Holy Spirit.

Points to Ponder:
How often do you stop and listen to others?

How often do you stop and listen to God?