Though Jesus spoke it to the Twelve, He intended us to hear it as well. Though their ministry would be unique to them and to their time and to their place, the mission was to be shared by all who Jesus would call friend (Jn. 15:15). Thus, what they would need, we would need. And so, advantage, us!

“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. But if I go, I will send Him to you.” ~ Jesus

(John 16:7 ESV)

It is to your advantage . . . chew on that for a bit.

I’m going away, says Jesus, and it will be “better for you” (MSG). “In fact, it is best for you” (NLT). Advantage, us!

The Helper has come. The Comforter (KJV). The Counselor (NIV). The Advocate. The One sent by Jesus, called to draw alongside us. Sent to live inside us. The One who leads the followers of Christ into a deeper truth, and imparts to His disciples a dynamic power, and fills them with a divine presence. Talk about an advantage!

But wait there’s more . . . The advantage isn’t just for our personal benefit but because of our prevailing mission.

And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” ~ Jesus

(John 16:8 ESV)

More than just deeper truth, dynamic power, and divine presence, the Third Person of the Godhead is sent to disrupt the world. He’s a world-changer.

Okay, isn’t that a bit of overkill? I appreciate the benefit of deeper understanding. I’m all in for more personal power. And yeah, bring on God’s presence. But do I really need a world-changer? Evidently.

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about Me. And you also will bear witness . . .” ~ Jesus

(John 15:26-27a ESV)

You also will bear witness . . . chew on that too!

The Helper will bear witness, because we are to bear witness. (Like I said, though spoken specifically to the Twelve, also intended for us).

Thus, we need a world-changer, because, within our time and place, we are meant to be world-changers. Testifying through our walk and by our words — as we seek to live in a manner worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1) — to the reality of sin, and of the true standard and only source of righteousness, and of the judgment already rendered against “the ruler of this world” and the bondage he brings through sin and death (Jn. 16:9-10).

Advantage, us! But not just for us. For the world around us.

We are meant to be channels of power not just cisterns. Acting as rivers of Living Water not reservoirs. A great mission creating a great need met only through the coming alongside of a great Helper.

A Helper who imparts great grace. All for the glory of a great God.

Advantage, us!

Amen?