In a groundbreaking sociological study called, Bowling Alone, the author showed how lonely life can be. Does our technology help us or hurt us, in this regard? We are constantly connected through our phones and i-everythings, but are we really in touch with others?
For three years, the disciples had instant and almost constant access to Jesus. He was always teaching them and loving them. Now Jesus was on his way to the cross and forty days after back to the right hand of the Father. There was so much they still did not know. Most of all they felt that they would be alone in the world.
Russell Moore, a very fine ethicist and leader on social issues for Baptists described how much he misses his mother. He tweeted this week, “She’s been gone for three months now and I still find myself dialing her number out of habit.” We still miss Melanie’s mother after thirteen years. Jesus’ promise is for all of us: “I will not leave you as orphans but I will come to you.” Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to us so that we are never alone. The old hymn reminds us of our comfort in Christ: “No never alone. No never alone. He promised never to leave us, no never alone.” Hold on to that promise today and it will hold on to you.
