Devotional
Have you ever felt God’s absence? The disciples might have felt similarly as they watched Jesus ascend into heaven. After experiencing His resurrection appearances, they now witnessed Him departing again—this time rising until clouds obscured their view. Yet Jesus had promised them something remarkable: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” How could He be present while physically absent? The answer lies in the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called “another Helper” who would be with them forever. This paradox of presence-in-absence defines our Christian experience today. We haven’t seen Jesus with physical eyes, yet we know His presence through the Spirit. We experience His guidance through Scripture. We encounter Him in worship, prayer, and communion. When life’s challenges make God seem distant, remember that feelings of absence don’t equal actual abandonment. The Holy Spirit—God’s presence with us—remains our guarantee that Jesus keeps His promise to never leave us. The disciples responded to Jesus’ ascension not with despair but with worship and joy. They understood that though Jesus had departed visibly, He remained with them spiritually. This truth transformed their perspective, turning apparent absence into confident assurance.
Bible Verse
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20b
Reflection Question
When have you most strongly felt God’s presence despite not seeing Him physically? What practices help you recognize His presence when He seems distant?
Quote
“We know that he is with us always, even to the end of the age. And that holy Spirit is the guarantee, is the promise, that gift of God that comes through his word and his sacraments to fill us with faith, the ability to trust and hope, and to fill us with that knowledge as God opens our minds to understand.”
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for being God’s presence with me today. When I feel alone or abandoned, remind me of Jesus’ promise to never leave me. Open my spiritual eyes to recognize Your work in my life. Help me worship with joy, knowing that Jesus remains with me even when I can’t see Him. Amen.
