Have you ever wondered what Jesus might have accomplished if He hadn't departed from this earth? Having risen from the grave, He had a glorified body that could pass through closed doors and be wherever He wanted to be by the mere thought. He could suddenly appear in a heated church business meeting, settle doctrinal disputes, and unite Christians!

If He were physically present, Jesus could advise presidents and prime ministers, unite Arabs and Jews, settle border disputes, stop terrorists. On television and radio talk shows He could speak God's mind on abortion, homosexuality, and physician-assisted suicide.

God, however, had a better way. He chose to send a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who would do what Christ could never have done had He remained. Jesus can't be in two places at once, but the Holy Spirit can. He can convince the world of its greatest sin--unbelief in Jesus. He can exalt Christ as the only righteous standard for everything we do. He can assure us that evil has been condemned and will fail, even though at times it seems to be winning.

Jesus had to depart from this earth so that the Spirit could come. Let's never forget that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives and in the world to glorify Christ.  — Dennis J. De Haan