Thank God for Comfort (9/27-30)

27-30 Sept. 2015 – Thank God for Comfort – Manna by Dorothy Callies

2 Cor. 1:3-4a KJV, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation . . .”

We can thank God for His comfort who is “the God of all comfort.” The word “comfort” translates the Greek: paraklesis means to stand beside a person, encouraging and helping him in a time of trouble. God supremely fulfils this role; He sends to His children the Holy Spirit, He who is called “comforter.”

In John 14:16 tells us that Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “another comforter.” “Comforter” translates the Greek: parakletos, meaning “one called alongside to help.” This is a rich word, meaning Comforter, Strengthener, Counselor, Helper, Adviser, Advocate, Ally, and Friend. The Greek word for “another” is allon, meaning “another of the same kind.” The Holy Spirit continues what Christ Himself did while on earth. [From the Full Life Study Bible]

Question: Why would Jesus need another Comforter? So who is the first comforter? God, our Father in Heaven was always the first Comforter. Jesus was the second Comforter to the disciples while He was on earth. Because He was leaving the earth, He promised another Comforter. Another of the same kind, who? God the Father and God the Son . . . both of them were alway the Comforter.

While Jesus was on earth, He was limited with His flesh. When God send another Comforter, the Holy Spirit to 120 disciples and Holy Spirit was like an internet coming into a person, spoke the language to another person who knew the language, went back to his home country and share the Gospel to many. Holy Spirit can be everywhere at once. It’s hard to imagine that, but believe it! Nothing is too hard for God to send the Comforter when we need Him the most.

So “all praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ” (2Cor.1:3-5, NTL).

My friend, when you are weighed down with troubles, remember it is good for you because God through His Holy Spirit could comfort you. And you will be able to comfort others as well. You will be able to thank God for His comforts through the Holy Spirit!

Song: Come, Holy Spirit

Chorus:

Come, Holy Spirit, I need You,

Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;

Come in Your strength and Your Power,

Come in Your own gentle way.

Come as a wisdom to children,

Come as new sight to the blind,

Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness,

Take me: soul, body, and mind. (Then Chorus)

(Gloria & William J. Gaither, Sing His Praise)