Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Is the Holy Spirit our Friend? You say, Yes, of course; but think: Jesus says that His first work is to "reprove the world of sin" (John 16:8). Is that fun? The doctor does a scientific test and convinces you that you have a lethal disease. You "feel" okay and it hasn't worried you, but he says you must do something drastic now. Fun? Is the doctor your "friend"?
Now suppose he has many, many patients all with a lethal disease they don't want to recognize; and suppose they all reject his counsel to do something, even though he is genuinely their friend. Wouldn't he be unhappy?
Is it impossible to conceive of a patient being concerned for the reputation or happiness of his physician? Patients are usually consumed by a me-first mind-set; few make appointments to inquire how the doctor is, and give HIM treatments. Few if any are concerned that he not be forced out of business. The Good News is that the Holy Spirit is "reproving" or "convicting" "the world of sin." The Bad News is that most who need help (His "patients") reject His reproofs and convictions of sin, so that Satan hopes that in the end the Holy Spirit will be proven a failure. Satan's last hope is that "the people of God" will reject His reproof and be involved in the general ruin coming on the earth.
There's a better reason to listen to the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin, than our own little personal salvation. He is Christ's Vicar; His job is to "convict of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment," the latter because "the prince of this world is condemned" (vss. 9-11). In listening, in receiving His reproof, in giving up the sin He convicts you of, you honor Christ in this last battle of the millennia-long great controversy. The Holy Spirit is your Friend; now be a friend to Him also. Say thanks to Him for His work.
Copyright © 2009 by Robert J. Wieland.
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