A Day-by-day devotional

April 3, 2023

Goodbyes

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Ruth 1-2

Scripture of the Day: Luke 24:36-53

It’s that one scary moment where you leave behind what feels safe and secure. You are stepping out into the unknown, whenever you say goodbye. For this reason and many others, goodbyes are not only difficult. They also entail a lot of pain.

Whenever a friend leaves, or you leave, in order to start a new job, a new life or whatever else it may be, wherever goodbyes are necessary, a piece of your heart breaks. And it never really gets easier the next time around. It may be another situation, another person, but that similar feeling would always rise up and make its appearance each time.

In the bible, there was one necessary goodbye. After Jesus conquered death and rose again from the dead, He spent sometime with His disciples, until that time when He finally had to say goodbye. He needed to leave and go back to the Father. But before He went, He said that it is necessary for Him to leave; because it is only then that the power from on high, promised of the Father, would be sent (John 16:7).

Because Jesus left, we now have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us! (John 14:15-17) When Jesus was on earth, as God who took the form of man, He can only be with people at a certain part of the world. But when He said goodbye, leaving His friends and disciples behind, the Father sent the Holy Spirit, who is able to be with every believer, no matter where on earth they may be, all at the same time!

Jesus’ goodbye may have broken the hearts of His disciples and friends (John 16:5-6), but it was a necessary and beautiful goodbye.

Reflection: Have you recently said goodbye or been said goodbye to, by someone in your life who had to move, or because you had to move? Take heart. Most goodbyes are painful and sad. However, if we see them in a different light, they can be beautiful too. Especially if they are necessary!

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for easing my pain whenever I have to face goodbye being said to me or by me. Make me steadfast, as I place my trust in the guidance of your Holy Spirit, for comfort and joy. Amen.