He Left for Our Good

When someone leaves or passes away, it is usually a sad occasion. Similarly, when Jesus died, the disciples were extremely sad! But before Jesus went to the cross, he told his disciples that it was for their good that he was going away. I am sure they were confused as they pondered the consequences of him not being with them! What benefit could there be in him leaving? How could it be good for the One with all the power and truth to leave them?

Jn 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.  

It was God’s eternal purpose that he would redeem us through the sacrifice of Jesus, and as a part of that grand plan, he would impart into us the very power and anointing Jesus walked in.

It is essential to understand that Jesus didn’t do miracles because he was God; he did miracles because he was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power.

Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

While Jesus was still with his disciples, he said to them, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:12-14  

Jesus left so that the comforter, the Holy Spirit, would be given to us. Here is what Jesus said about it.

John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the will  Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Jn 15:26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.

Jesus knowing he was going to leave this world, said to his disciples, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49

Later, as you know, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, and the kingdom of God came to dwell in the hearts and minds of man. We are now in the age of the kingdom, and the same Holy Spirit that came upon the disciples that first day is the same Holy Spirit within us.

Now, the secret to living in the power of the Holy Spirit is faith. Yes! The life of the kingdom is now available to all who will humble themselves and believe! It is of utmost importance that we do not try to do the works of God through human effort. The great things God wants to do through you and me can only be accessed through faith.

Jesus left for a reason – it was to empower you and me with the very power he walked in! This power is not something you work up – it’s something you soak up! This takes all the pressure off! Your job is simply to believe and receive what God believes about you!

Just like getting a suntan does not require work so, living in the power of the Holy Spirit does not require good works! As a matter of fact, instead of living a performance-based life, your effort must be focused on resting in your right standing with Christ.

Does this excite you? Are you ready to set your mind on what God believes about you? Are you willing to completely let go of your efforts to obtain favor with God and, like a child, rest in God’s gift of righteousness through Jesus? I can assure you that resting in the finished work of the cross is a must for entering into the life of God’s power and purpose! Oh yes! This is where power is made known! Oh yeah – Concerning Jesus, you can be sure of this... 

He Left for Our Good