My Invisible Friend (Reprise)

        

        Did you have an invisible friend growing up? One that went everywhere, saw everything, knew every little secret. One that celebrated every achievement and shook his head when he knew you could do better. I did and still do. About the safest place I can get away with saying that nowadays is in church or connected with my Christian walk. And this is appropriate because my invisible friend is The Holy Spirit.

        

        Jesus said He had to leave to the right hand of Father God in order for The Holy Spirit to come and indwell believers (John 16:7). When this transaction occurred, two major benefits happened, two parts of the Triune God (Father God, Son and Holy Spirit) became Advocates for all believers. Jesus is our Advocate in Heaven (Romans 8:34) and The Holy Spirit who lives within the believer is our Advocate (John 14:16). 

"Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." - Romans 8:34

"But the Advocate, 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." - John 14:26

        Jesus said the Holy Spirit's daily communication would be lessons about "all things" and would remind us of Christ's words also. How long will our invisible friend stay with us? Jesus answers that question in a previous verse.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever" (John 14:16).

        Throughout the ages, my invisible friend, The Holy Spirit, has come in the form of a thought (1 Chronicles 28:12), whisper (1 Kings 19:12), prophesy (1 Samuel 10:10), wind (Acts 2:2) and tongues of fire (Acts 2:3) to name a few.

        Not to limit my limitless friend, but now-a-days, at least for me, He inspires me through teachers, printed material, special songs, special people and simple direct downloads into my mind and spirit. Jesus said The Holy Spirit would do this as I have noted. 

        However, Paul states that what Scripture portrays of the power and nature of God - His awesomeness and creativity and more - spills over into our visible world so that humanity has no reason to deny God's existence. Paul says,

"since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)

        As mentioned earlier, the Holy Spirit has come in other forms, even as a dove at one point, in years past. However, there will come a time when as I look upon Jesus, I know I will be looking at Father God and the Holy Spirit. What has been unseen for so long by faith will finally be unveiled and visible, but until then I will live with and according to the words of My Invisible Friend.