Instinctively, we hate leaving what we know and love; we intensely dislike bereavement and death is a real enemy. However, if we know that leaving one job will enable us to do a job which suits our gifting better, then we are glad. No parent likes children to leave home, but knows that unless they go, it will be impossible for them to mature and fulfil their vocation. Jesus knew that the disciples were growing anxious as He spoke about His death and return to the Father, so He wanted them to know that leaving would bring great blessing. For instance, if Jesus did not leave, then the Holy Spirit could not come to every believer (John 16:7). If Jesus was still on earth, the apostles would never feel able to take the responsibility He has appointed them for (John 15:16).
 
Jesus was not leaving them because He did not care for them; He loved them deeply: but like a parent knew that they had to grow up spiritually. Anyway, He was going to prepare a place for them in heaven and promised to return to collect them and take them to His heavenly home (John 14:1-4). But the greatest reason for His departure was that He loved the Father and was returning in obedience to His command.
 
Although it is difficult for us to look forward to a future we know nothing about, if we love Jesus we will be glad to accept and engage with the future because the Lord is in control. Often we may be called to step out in faith, even though we cannot see the end from the beginning … but that does not matter because Jesus does! Faith will enable us to bear the pain of leaving the past, trusting that the future will be good - because Christ is in charge. There are times when it seems that the devil is closing in to kidnap us away from God’s purposes for our lives: that is the time to be decisively obedient, like Jesus was. Obey and do not delay! Do not keep looking back like Lot’s wife ( Luke 17:32-33), but keep trusting Jesus and obediently press on towards Him (Hebrews 12:1-2 ; Philippians 3:12-14).