Saturday 29 August 2026
- Bible Book:
- John
"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning." (vs 26-27)
Background
John uses the term 'Advocate' to talk about the Holy Spirit. It is fitting since an advocate is one who speaks for you. As an idea it flows nicely with the idea of Jesus being 'the Word'. The Spirit is the one who makes the Word real for us in our context and situation – a reminder that the Christian life is dynamic, constantly seeking to discern the presence of God in the present and constantly looking to find ways in which the values of God can be made relevant in our modern world.
There is value and strength in tradition and the familiar. But when there is change, new understandings and new insights, we need to work at making sure our talk of God remains relevant and meaningful to people. It is the work of the Advocate – the Holy Spirit – to help us keep our understandings and revelation of God current. The Advocate will help us see where we need new ways of understanding the Word and how these have an impact on the way we relate to the wider world.
There is a tension when we look to revisit familiar and traditional understandings of faith and lifestyle. Over the years we have had debates and even conflicts over issues such as abortion and assisted dying. The questions raised around God in love unites us. I know that these issues can still polarise Christian views. Yet the challenge to respond to modern issues where tradition and scripture give no clear insights means we need the Advocate to help shape our insights and understandings to meet contemporary needs.
To Ponder:
- Sidney Carter has a song where he asks, "Give me the good news in the present tense". How do we relate to the issues of the present without losing what is vital to our faith?
- How do we listen to the Advocate, and how do we know what we hear is of God and not our own desires?
Bible notes author: The Revd Malcolm Peacock
The Revd Peacock is Superintendent Minister of the Mid Glamorgan Mission Circuit. He has a deep and abiding interest in Celtic theology and believes those who are minorities or feel themselves marginalised should be given a voice to speak for themselves.