May 5, 2026
Where True Joys are Found - Part 2
John 16:7
05/05/2026
7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your
advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away,
the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I
will send him to you. (ESV)
Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, tried to prepare His
disciples both for His coming death and His Ascension. The
disciples were sorrowful when Jesus said He was going away.
Jesus told them: ``Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to
your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the
Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to
you.''
Here is the promise of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy
Spirit who calls us to faith in Christ Jesus by giving us the
God's Word, both audibly and visibly in the Sacraments. It is
the Holy Spirit who keeps us in the one true faith, that guards
us from false doctrine, who causes one Holy, Christian, and
apostolic church to last forever.
In our prayer of the Church we acknowledge the work of the
Holy Spirit who sustains our faith in Christ Jesus. This faith
leads to hope, for through Christ Jesus our sins are forgiven.
O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one
will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded
and desire what You promise, that among the many
changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where
true joys are found.
May our Lord grant us faith to hold to the promise of life
everlasting because Jesus died and rose again for our salvation.
Amen.