So, on that day, did the old man recall what he had written years before? Did he connect the dots between that day’s reality and the promise he had recorded before he was cast into exile? As he worshiped that Lord’s day, all by himself in whatever housing they had left for him on that island, was he knowing anew the reality that he was not home alone?

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:15-18 ESV)

This morning, I’m captured afresh by God’s provision for His children in and through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit . . . Third Person of the Trinity . . . God, fully God . . . given to all who believe as a seal guaranteeing the fulfillment of their salvation (Eph. 1:13, 2Cor. 1:22). But more than just some “stamp” or “heavenly postage” ensuring “we make it”, He dwells with us . . . even more, He dwells in us . . . and by Him, Jesus says He comes to His own . . . by Him, we see Jesus.

That’s what happened to John on that day on Patmos. In the Spirit on the Lord’s Day (Rev. 1:10), he heard a voice. And as he turned to see the voice, he saw Jesus . . . the risen Christ . . . in all His majestic heavenly glory . . . the Son of Man robed in white, His face so radiant that it was like the sun shining in full strength. Seeing Him, John fell at His feet as though dead. And there, facedown before the King of Kings, John felt the touch of Jesus as Jesus laid His right hand on John. And then, facedown, sensing the hand of Jesus upon him, John heard the words, “Fear not.” (Rev. 1:12-17) And he knew again . . . and he knew for certain . . . that he was not alone.

Sometimes we think that it might be “easier” to walk this pilgrim walk if we had some “face time” with God . . . if we had lived in the time of the patriarch’s where God seemed to be breaking in on the scene on a regular fashion, engaging people in one-on-one conversation. Or, perhaps we say it would have been easier if we could have been alive during the time Christ walked on the earth . . . experiencing Him first hand . . . that would then increase our faith . . . that would solidify our walk. But, if you think about it . . . those OT characters really were “characters” and seemed just as prone to wayward thinking and disobedience then as we are today . . . even though they heard directly from God. And, how about those disciples? It really wasn’t until Jesus left that things kicked into gear for them . . . when Jesus left, and sent them “another Helper” . . . an Advocate just like Jesus in every way . . . yet without skin . . . but able to “move in” . . . isn’t that when the disciples really started walking in a “manner worthy of their calling.”

So sure, the OT folks may have interacted with the First Person of the Trinity . . . the disciples may have broke bread with the Second Person of the Trinity . . . but hey, we have not been left orphans . . . we have been brought into relationship, “up close and personal”, with God, with Jesus Himself, through the Third Person of the Trinity, the blessed Holy Spirit. He is with me . . . He indwells me . . . 24/7 . . . how amazing is that? Pretty!!!

Oh, to praise God anew for His wonderful provision through the Spirit. To be more like John and be found “in the Spirit.” To draw near to Jesus, who ensured we wouldn’t be left orphans in this world that’s not our home . . . to encounter the Savior who said He would come to us . . . to welcome the Gracious Guest who knocks at the door of our heart wanting to come in and, through the Spirit, settle down and engage us in a communion that is literally out of this world. Even so, Lord Jesus, through the Spirit come!

We’re not home yet . . . but neither are we home alone. Amen?