The second Greek word, kaleo, means “to beckon or to call.”5 This word was frequently used in Scripture when the apostles were describing their callings. For example, when Paul said, “I am called an apostle to the Gentiles,” he was using the Greek word kaleo. The concept of a “call” invokes thoughts of destiny and action.

When we put these two Greek words together, we get a much better understanding of what Jesus is communicating. Essentially, He is saying that the Holy Spirit is permanently called closely alongside each of us to provide coaching, direction, instruction, and counsel in our life journey. This is His calling, or assignment, and He perpetually journeys with us to help, never tiring! Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would abide with us forever (John 14:16). He will never leave nor forsake us. What an amazing promise! Jesus is essentially saying that the Holy Spirit will be a continuation of His (Jesus’) exact work and mission in our lives.

Frequently I hear people say, “Oh, if only I could have walked with Jesus, I would have asked Him so many questions.” Why not present those questions to the Holy Spirit? This is a crucial area where our perceptions of the Holy Spirit come into play. If we simply perceive Him as an ambiguous entity, we will not approach Him as One who is capable of teaching or coaching us. The Holy Spirit is Deity, not an entity. If we truly believe He is who the Word of God says He is, we will approach Him in reverence knowing that He is the all-knowing and all-powerful One who is willing and able to teach, help, and coach us. Yes, He longs to speak intimately with us.

Sadly, the Holy Spirit is probably the most ignored Person in the Church. How many times are we gathered together and He is not honored or even mentioned? How often do we go through our morning, afternoon, evening, or even entire day and not say one word to the One who is permanently called to reside in us and walk with us?

A Startling Statement

Jesus made a mind-blowing statement in John 16:7: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth...”

Before we continue with this passage, let me take a moment to paint a picture for you. This is Jesus speaking to His disciples. He has been with these guys for over three years. Everything He has ever said has come to pass. He said, “Wind be still,” and it was still. He said, “You’re going to find a donkey in a certain place” and sure enough, the donkey was there. He knew there was a traitor on his staff before the traitor ever manifested. He told a fig tree to die, and it shriveled up within twenty-four hours. Everything that Jesus said had come to pass, and yet He had to preface this statement with, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth.” Basically, what Jesus was about to say was going to blow His disciples’ minds, so He had to make sure they knew He was telling them the truth.