He’s the Helper

John 14:16 (NKJV)
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may abide with you forever—”

This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus prepares His disciples for His death and departure. Jesus promises to ask the Father to send another “Helper” to be with them permanently. The word “another” in the Greek also means another of the same kind. The Greek word for “Helper” is parakletos, which means one called alongside to help. It refers to the Holy Ghost as another of the same kind who is called alongside to help. Jesus is saying, I’m going to send another just like Me. He will be an exact, identical kind as Myself.

This word Helper is also translated in the Amplified Classic translation as Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby). He’s ALL that and more.

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus tells His disciples, who were confused and troubled at the prospect of His death and departure, to not let their hearts be troubled. Why? Because even though He was going away, they need not fret; there is One coming just like Himself. He’s called alongside to help, exhort, comfort, and encourage them and will be with them forever. He was saying: “It’s like I never left you, because He’s just like Me — The Holy Ghost.”

He’s the same kind of help that Jesus was to His disciples. The Holy Spirit is our Supernatural Helper.

Jesus’ promise of the Helper coming wasn’t just for the twelve. Now, because we are New Covenant believers, His disciples too, He’s our Helper as well. Just like Jesus didn’t want them going through life and this world without a Helper, He didn’t want that for us either. He’s not our “doer,” but our Helper in every arena of life we need help in. He’s our supernatural help—the Divine Genius. The One who has knowledge of everything lives in us, ready to help.

I say to Him often, Holy Ghost, thank You for helping me. Let’s not forfeit what He brings, but invite Him in to do what He does best—help.