Evening, October 12
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
John 14:26
"The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost."
John 14:26
This age is peculiarly the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, in which
Jesus cheers us, not by his personal presence, as he shall do
by-and-by, but by the indwelling and constant abiding of the Holy
Ghost, who is evermore the Comforter of the church. It is his office to
console the hearts of God's people. He convinces of sin; he illuminates
and instructs; but still the main part of his work lies in making glad
the hearts of the renewed, in confirming the weak, and lifting up all
those that be bowed down. He does this by revealing Jesus to them. The
Holy Spirit consoles, but Christ is the consolation. If we may use the
figure, the Holy Spirit is the Physician, but Jesus is the medicine. He
heals the wound, but it is by applying the holy ointment of Christ's
name and grace. He takes not of his own things, but of the things of
Christ. So if we give to the Holy Spirit the Greek name of Paraclete,
as we sometimes do, then our heart confers on our blessed Lord Jesus
the title of Paraclesis. If the one be the Comforter, the other is the
Comfort. Now, with such rich provision for his need, why should the
Christian be sad and desponding? The Holy Spirit has graciously engaged
to be thy Comforter: dost thou imagine, O thou weak and trembling
believer, that he will be negligent of his sacred trust? Canst thou
suppose that he has undertaken what he cannot or will not perform? If
it be his especial work to strengthen thee, and to comfort thee, dost
thou suppose he has forgotten his business, or that he will fail in the
loving office which he sustains towards thee? Nay, think not so hardly
of the tender and blessed Spirit whose name is "the Comforter." He
delights to give the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise
for the spirit of heaviness. Trust thou in him, and he will surely
comfort thee till the house of mourning is closed forever, and the
marriage feast has begun.