Thankful for an advocate

Have you ever needed an advocate? Someone who stood in the gap to represent you before an authority in a matter of some consequence? Someone who understood the parameters of the situation and the concerns of all parties involved, and was committed to effectively communicating your intentions and pleading your case?

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  –Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

In 2001, I made a mistake on my 2000 income tax return. My employer, wanting to keep their data processing staff intact to modify and shepherd their computer systems through Y2K, paid an incentive bonus to salaried IT staff who committed to stay through January 31, 2000. As I prepared the additional tax forms required by that transaction, I inadvertently logged the bonus income twice, significantly inflating my reported earnings. A few months later, a sternly-worded letter from the IRS demanded immediate payment of $52,000 in unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties.

It took me almost no time to realize I needed an advocate. I called Jerry, a CPA friend well-versed in tax matters. On reviewing my paperwork, he immediately recognized and understood my error, assuring me all would be well. Jerry was able to interact with the government on my behalf, explain what had happened, provide the needed documentation, re-file my tax return, and make my problem go away. He charged $310 for his services, some of the best money I ever spent.

All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  –John 14:25-26 (NIV)

Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit here is sometimes translated “Counselor” or “Helper”. Those titles are true and applicable, but this idea of the Spirit as “Advocate” really resonates with me. The advocate role taken on by the Spirit includes reminding us of what Jesus said, teaching us what He meant and helping us connect the dots, then translating our clumsy attempts at prayer, worship, and life into the best, most well-intentioned version of ourselves as we accept our invitation into the presence of the Almighty.

Safe in this truth, we receive the gift of His peace. Not like worldly peace, which is essentially an absence of conflict so long as we stay in line with the hive mind of the world’s value system. That wasn’t what Jesus’ friends would be doing. Their proclamations of a crucified and risen Lord soon drew severe persecution. And yet they would experience peace. Real peace. His peace. The peace of knowing and being known. The confidence of being seen, welcomed and loved by their Master and Maker. I need that kind of peace. How about you?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  –John 14:27 (NIV)