Spiritual Orphans

John 14:18 ESV

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

In the ancient world, being an orphan meant being vulnerable and without support. It was a horrifying life and lifestyle. Orphans were forgotten, misused and abused. Jesus uses this imagery to reassure his disciples that they will not be left helpless or alone. Jesus said, “I will come to you,” and He did just that even after His death and resurrection. When He ascended to heaven it was not the end of His support. In fact besides the physical manifestation of Jesus in their lives, Jesus gave these men and women something greater, the Holy Spirit to remind them of His words. To encourage them in their walk, to provide for their needs, to lift them up when they were down and possibly discouraged. The Holy Spirit gave them courage, fearlessness and a holy anointing to minister the Gospel.

This verse emphasizes that Jesus’ followers are not left without spiritual guidance, support, or a connection to him after his physical departure. The Holy Spirit acts as a substitute for Jesus’ physical presence, offering comfort, guidance, and a connection to God all of the days of our lives.

Prayer:

Lord, when we feel alone or abandoned, remind us who we are in You. When we feel like the journey is too daunting, let the Holy Spirit rise up within us and give us the power to tread on Your high places. When we feel defeated, rise up within us and open up our spiritual eyes to see You standing by our side, empowering us to keep moving forward. All is not lost, nothing is hopeless when You are with us Jesus. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!