It Is Better

Joh 16:7 MKJV
(7) But I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I depart, I will send Him to you.

A good buddy was pondering this verse today. The disciples had Jesus in their midst. They walked with Him, talked with Him, vented to Him... He was their friend. When He told them it was 'better' that He go away so that the Comforter could come, they didn't really get it. After all... how could it possibly get any better? How could you beat the feeling of knowing Jesus was just right there?

Then Peter denied Jesus. It was apparent that even with Jesus in the next room, there could be separation. Even as Jesus passed right in front of his eyes, there was a separation from Peter - a gap that he didn't know how to bridge. Well, Jesus re-bridged that gap for Peter, but Peter had to be sitting there wondering how he was going to prevent that same attack from beating him again.

Then comes Pentecost. Jesus is gone, but His Spirit comes and fills Peter. Now, he knew there was no campfire too remote. There was no fishing boat too lonely. There was no place he could go that Jesus was not with him - even an inverted cross.

Jesus said it would be better. Peter knew it. But we often sit and fantasize about how great it will be when Jesus appears. TRUE! It will be awesome! But we have His Spirit now! Which is better? Jesus told us, but do we believe Him? Do we understand that fellowship with the Spirit is fellowship with God Himself?

There's no boat, or campfire, or road-trip, or living room, or business meeting... that is too lonely.