A holy helper

Just over 40 days ago, we celebrated Jesus rising to life again after his horrific death on the cross. In the raising of Jesus from the dead, God assures us of being able to spend eternal life with a Heavenly Father who loves us. Then, 40 days after Easter – last Thursday, 9 May – we celebrated Jesus’ ascension to be with his Heavenly Father, where he reigns forever. One day, Jesus will come back – we just don’t know when!

This coming Sunday, 19 May, we celebrate Pentecost, the coming of the heavenly helper Jesus spoke of when he was on earth. Jesus promises that we will have a best friend in his gift of the Holy Spirit. This ‘helper’ he promises to us is faithful. He is more trustworthy and reliable than our closest earthly friend and will never leave us, even if we move away from him.

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us and promises that he will remain with us forever – such an amazing gift of comfort. We then celebrate Trinity Sunday on 26 May – it is wonderful to know that God loves us so much in sending his Son and the Holy Spirit to be with us always.

Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) has many resources to help you understand Ascension, Pentecost and the Trinity.

Visit the LTM website at www.ltm.org.au and search Ascension, Pentecost, and the Trinity.

Jesus says: ‘I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever’ (John 14:16).

Anne Hansen is Lutheran Tract Mission’s Tract Development Officer.