“Why would I make it more difficult for the Helper to provide heavenly assistance? Oh, because I am in love with everlasting love, I cannot totally thwart him, for he is omnipotent and irresistible. But why would I “kick against the goads?” Why would I grieve the the one, proceeding from both the Father and the Son, from whom all graces and blessings flow?”

The “hour” is coming, and Jesus is about to be separated from his fellows. However, this imminent separation is going to result in their improvement. Jesus said, “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.” (John 16:7)

And what help does the Helper offer:

• Conviction of God’s will and the reality of sin
• Conviction of the truth regarding Jesus’ person and work
• Conviction of judgment for rejecting God’s will and Jesus work
• Conviction resulting in conversion – to some rebels he gifts repentance and faith
• Communion as the believer becomes the Temple of God and believers become knit together in “mystic sweet commmunion”
• Communication aid as he prays to the Father and the Son on behalf of those in whom he dwells
• Comprehension of Jesus’ words
• Counsel proceeding forth from Jesus’ words
• Comfort from Jesus’ words as they are applied to the soul
• Conformance into Jesus’ image
• Concluding in the glorification of the Son. (John 16:14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.)

Therefore why would I resist such help today? Why would I make it more difficult for the Helper to provide heavenly assistance? Oh, because I am in love with everlasting love, I cannot totally thwart him, for he is omnipotent and irresistible. But why would I “kick against the goads?” Why would I grieve the the one, proceeding from both the Father and the Son, from whom all graces and blessings flow?

So in humility, today I desire to help God help me. Oh, he doesn’t need my help. He doesn’t require my help. (This is the really good news of the Sovereignty of God and the Reformed Gospel – he can help me even when I am helpless.) But today I long to walk in the Spirit. I wish to keep step with the Spirit. I pledge to Live in the Spirit and further glorify and enjoy the Son. Yes, like you, I want to see Jesus. But until that day, it is better that he is not here, for I have an invisible friend who holds my heart and my hand.  And for the present time, it is better that Jesus is not here. He said so!

Joseph A. Franks IV is a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and is Pastor of Palmetto Hills Presbyterian Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina. This article first appeared on his blog, and is used with permission.