Nothing hurts more than when a loved one or close friend leaves us. Whether it’s somebody we depend on or somebody with whom we share the joys of life, it hurts when they leave us, and the pain is deep. We wonder what the future holds. Sometimes we don’t even know what to think of it.
RELEVANCE
Jesus knew the time was nearing when He would be crucified. He knew His disciples would greatly miss Him. So He revealed a great truth to comfort them.
“But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you” (John 16:5-8).
Jesus revealed that God had a bigger purpose and plan that required that He be crucified. He promised the Holy Spirit’s presence. He revealed God’s greater purpose from the beginning: “that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:14).
The more we come to understand and experience the reality of God’s presence—the Holy Spirit within us—the greater joy we truly know.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Can you imagine a greater purpose God might have?
Can you imagine things working out for good over the long run?
REFERENCES
Matthew 28:20