Devotional
Sometimes the hardest goodbyes are the most necessary ones. When Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples stood gazing upward, perhaps wondering why He had to leave. They had just gotten Him back after the resurrection! Yet Jesus had explained that His departure was essential for their mission. Jesus told them to remain in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. His ascension wasn’t an abandonment—it was a prerequisite for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus needed to return to the Father so that the Spirit could come and empower believers worldwide. This pattern of necessary departures appears throughout our lives. A child leaves home for college. A friend moves away for a new job. A loved one passes from this life to the next. These separations hurt, yet they often make way for new growth and opportunities. Jesus’ ascension teaches us that absence doesn’t mean abandonment. Though physically departed, Jesus remains present through His Spirit. He continues working in and through us, empowering us to be His witnesses. When facing difficult goodbyes in your own life, remember Jesus’ promise. He didn’t leave His disciples without hope, and He won’t leave you either. Some departures, though painful, are necessary for God’s greater purposes to unfold.
Bible Verse
“And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'” – Acts 1:10-11
Reflection Question
What “necessary departure” have you experienced that initially seemed painful but later revealed God’s purpose? How might current losses in your life be making way for new spiritual growth?
Quote
“Jesus must return so that the Holy Spirit can come and fill them with the power from on high to go out and make this disciples to do what he’s told them to do, to give them the ability to be his witnesses.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me trust Your wisdom when I don’t understand Your ways. When I face painful goodbyes, remind me that You work all things for good. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to be with me always. Give me faith to see Your purposes even in separation and loss. Amen.
