Our Comforter
Dr. John K. Mathew
It is not always possible, nor is it necessary to minutely distinguish the work of the Holy Spirit from that of the Father and the Son. God is One and the inter-relationship between the various activities of each Person of the Godhead is so close that we cannot always discern one from the other.
'Foundations of Pentecostal Theology, written by Gay P. Duffield and N.M. Van Cleave, define it in the following words. " In many of His activities, God works through the Son, in the power of the Spirit.
As a general principle, it might be said that all the Divine workings originate with the Father, are carried out by the Son, and are brought to fruition by the Holy Spirit. It's also a very logical explanation of the Holy Trinity.
Unlike all other Gospel writers, the Apostle John was inspired to reveal the name "Comforter" to the Holy Spirit. The importance of the ministry of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter can be realized from the words of Jesus: " Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you" (John 16:7 KJV) It is so amazing that the third Person in the Holy Trinity is at service for us as a Comforter.
The following illustration will help us understand the function of the Holy Spirit in our life as comforter.
On a particularly rough airplane flight, a lady bacame very airsick. Her shoulders drooped, and her head slumped forward-- she was totally wiped out. The stewardess came by to help her. 'Come, come now' she said, buck up and get control of yourself. sit up and take courage. She put her arm under the lady's arm and helped her sit upright in her seat, gave her gum to chew, and then went to get her some water. With the help of the stewardess, the lady finished the trip in far better condition than she began it in.
This is like the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He comes alongside to help us when we are in hopeless defeat. He admonishes us, encourages us, and restores hope and faith in our lives. Please remember, He abides with us as it is promised by our Lord Jesus Christ: "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter that He may abide with you forever" ( John;14:16).
