AY 21: WHEN THE HELPER COMES
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 25th, 2025
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” – John 15:26-27
DEVOTION
Up to this point in Jesus’ farewell sermon, there have been three main characters: Jesus—the true Vine; God the Father—the Vinedresser; and us—the branches. Jesus has provided His disciples with a masterclass on abiding and bearing fruit. He has taught important concepts such as love-based obedience (John 15:10), joy-filled living (John 15:11), and how He chose and appointed us to bear much fruit (John 15:16). As chapter 15 comes to an end with these final two verses, a fourth character emerges—the Holy Spirit, also known as the Helper.
Jesus says: “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me” (John 15:26). The Holy Spirit enters the vineyard, and what does He do? He immediately begins to help.
Imagine this scene: God the Vinedresser is in the garden, lifting, washing, pruning, cutting, and clipping His branches. He is also clearing away disconnected and disinterested branches. Jesus, the True Vine, works His supernatural power through His branches, resulting in more fruit, much fruit, and good fruit! We, the branches, are simply abiding—remaining connected to the Vine and trusting the Father’s fruit-bearing process. While this sounds inspirational, we often need practical help.
Enter the Holy Spirit. He quickly begins to make a difference. He helps us by speaking truth when we feel tempted to believe the lies of this world, Satan, and our flesh. He counsels us when we consider leaving the Vine to act independently. He comforts us when we make mistakes and feel shame or defeat. He guides us when we lose our way. He teaches us wisdom from above. He reminds us of Christ’s teachings and assures us that He will never leave us nor forsake us (John 14:15-25, Hebrews 13:5). He fills us with His love, joy, and peace. As branches of Him, we need all the help that the Holy Spirit provides, and we are grateful that He offers it!
Today, let us praise God for His triune work in our lives. Each member of the Trinity is actively at work for our good and His glory. Let us not reject the Holy Spirit’s help; instead, let us accept it and live a life that glorifies God by bearing much fruit.
“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit” (1 John 4:13).
PRAYER
Father, thank You for sending Your Son to save us and Your Spirit to help us. Today, I want to walk by Your Spirit and trust His guidance. Fill me anew with power and wisdom from above and help me glorify Christ through bearing much fruit. In Jesus’ name, amen!
NEXT STEP
Read through John 14:15-31 and highlight or underline all instances where you see the Holy Spirit at work. Commit these Scriptures to prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to help you become more sensitive to His voice. Take your next step by obeying His leading.
